Design Manager Jobs in Evanston, IL (NOW HIRING)

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JLL has an exciting opportunity for an Occupancy Planner / Retail Design Manager supporting a key financial services client across its branch and wealth management portfolio in the United States.

This highly visible role combines strategy, occupancy planning, portfolio optimization, and design management responsibilities to deliver innovative, efficient, and future-forward retail environments that support business objectives, employee experience, customer engagement, and operational excellence.

As a trusted advisor, you will translate business requirements into physical space solutions by leading occupancy planning initiatives and providing standards and branding governance for retail design projects from programming through construction. You will partner closely with Corporate Real Estate, Project Management, Facilities, Technology, and business stakeholders to create environments that are functional, brand-consistent, and aligned with evolving financial centers and customer engagement strategies.

• Partner with business leaders to identify current and future space requirements
• Create feasibility studies, scenario modeling, test fits, and space planning options to support retail branch initiatives across renovation, refresh, and new-build projects
• Serve as a steward of the client's design guidelines and branding standards across a dynamic portfolio, ensuring consistency in customer experience
• Recommend, educate, and enforce planning standards, space policies, and design protocols.
• Support portfolio planning activities including expansions, consolidations, relocations, renovations, refreshes, and new build projects.
• Act as the primary point of contact for project-level design and planning matters.
• Collaborate with external architects, designers, consultants, and vendors to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality projects.
• Participate in all phases of design, including programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and permit review.
• Review and approve floorplans, test fits, furniture layouts, art, signage, and design packages to ensure alignment with client standards and workplace guidelines.
• Provide design oversight throughout project execution to ensure adherence to approved design intent.
• Work closely with construction teams and vendors as needed to resolve design challenges and maintain project quality.
• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards, local building codes, ADA requirements, and corporate design standards.

• Participate in requirements-gathering workshops, planning sessions, and design review meetings with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Develop and deliver executive presentations, floorplan reviews, test-fit recommendations, and approval packages.
• Establish trusted relationships with business leaders, project teams, and external design partners.
• Collaborate closely with:
  • Business Strategy teams
  • Project Management teams
  • Facilities Management teams
  • Interior Architects and Designers
  • Technology and Corporate Security teams
• Communicate design standards, planning principles, and portfolio strategies clearly and effectively.

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture, Interior Design, or related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in spacel planning, occupancy planning, corporate real estate, architecture, interior design, or related disciplines.
• Experience supporting financial services organizations and retail portfolios is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of planning methodologies, design standards, utilization analytics, and portfolio planning.
• Proven ability to create and evaluate feasibility studies, scenario models, test fits, and space allocation plans.
• Experience working directly with architects, designers, and project managers throughout project lifecycles.
• Strong understanding of design guidelines, spatial relationships, furniture planning, and building systems.
• Working knowledge of local building codes, ADA requirements, and accessibility standards.
• Knowledge of WELL Building Standard, LEED certification, and sustainability initiatives preferred.
• LEED Accredited Professional and/or PMP certification preferred.

• Strong PowerPoint skills with ability to develop executive-level presentations and planning recommendations.
• Experience with AutoCAD for test fits, floorplan review, and square footage calculations.
• Familiarity with Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam and Matterport platforms.

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Estimated compensation for this position:

This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

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If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all the requirements. We're interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care

• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary

• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you'repursuing.

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