Design Operations Manager Jobs in Aurora, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Operations is the engine behind exceptional design delivery for our clients. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Operations Manager to support our Design team within Project and Development Services (PDS). In this role, you will be instrumental in managing the day-to-day operations of our design studios-spanning Workplace, Retail, Branding, and Retail Architecture-optimizing studio efficiency, and driving strategic initiatives that strengthen design delivery, profitability, and client satisfaction.

You will partner closely with design leadership and cross-functional teams to align studio operations with JLL PDS standards, mitigate risk across vendor and project engagements, and build the processes that allow our designers and project teams to do their best work.

• Oversee and optimize studio operations across the Design portfolio to ensure efficient, scalable delivery workflows.

• Implement operational strategies that enhance design team productivity, throughput, and client satisfaction.

• Provide effective leadership for the design operations team, ensuring alignment with JLL PDS goals and standards.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, creative collaboration, and teamwork across the design studios.

• Contribute to learning and development programs that elevate the operational and commercial skills of design and project team members.

• Identify training needs across the studios and facilitate sessions in partnership with national and PDS teams.

• Stay current on design, workplace, and project delivery trends so teams are equipped with leading practices.

• Drive a culture of continuous learning, performance feedback, and career development within the local design teams.

• Use business intelligence tools and analytics to drive data-informed decisions on studio performance and project profitability.

• Report and measure key metrics-revenue, gross margin, billable hours, and resource billability-using dashboards and recurring reporting.

• Analyze project and vendor spend data (contract buyouts vs. actual spend and internal resource time) to identify trends and margin improvement opportunities.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate insights into actionable strategies and process improvements.

• Ensure compliance with JLL standards, MSA requirements, and legal team expectations across vendor and project engagements.

• Strengthen vendor engagement governance-assessing MSA and NDA/confidentiality compliance to protect the business.

• Promote risk awareness, incident reporting, and good-catch programs, including health and safety where applicable.

• Report the status of risk reviews and manage regular updates in partnership with national and PDS teams.

• Identify process inefficiencies across studio operations and implement measures to optimize delivery and reduce cost leakage.

• Contribute to the documentation and implementation of best practices and standard operating procedures (SOPs) aligned to PDS standards.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline design delivery workflows and improve operational effectiveness.

• Identify opportunities to leverage technology for studio efficiency and effectiveness.

• Collaborate with relevant teams to evaluate, select, and implement technology solutions for design and project delivery.

• Drive adoption of technology tools and systems, ensuring proper training and support across the studios.

• Stay current on emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and automation within design operations.

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, interior design, construction management, business administration, operations management, or a related field. MBA preferred.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in operations management, preferably within design, architecture, or project and development services.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a multidisciplinary design operations team.

• Proven track record in driving process improvements, operational efficiency, and profitability optimization.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with comfort working across project, vendor, and resourcing data.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to partner with design leadership and creative teams.

• Solid financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, margin analysis, and cost control.

• Familiarity with design project lifecycles, creative resourcing, and vendor/contract governance.

• Experience in learning and development, business intelligence, risk management, process optimization, and technology integration.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across studios.

If you are a highly motivated, results-oriented operations professional who thrives at the intersection of creative delivery and operational rigor, we encourage you to apply for the Senior Operations Manager role within JLL Design. Join our team and help shape how exceptional design gets delivered.

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.

Location:

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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