Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: JLL

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design & Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-05T00:00:00

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic development and implementation of design concepts, guidelines, and block plans for retail banking and hospitality-focused financial services projects.

• Ensure seamless integration of sustainable practices and green building principles into all design and construction initiatives.

• Provide critical design support and expert guidance to project managers and external design teams to resolve complex design-related issues.

• Foster collaborative relationships with consultants, product vendors, and internal stakeholders to achieve overarching project objectives.

• Champion the adoption of emerging design trends and best practices, ensuring JLL remains at the forefront of industry innovation in design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within JLL's Retail Design & Construction division, emphasizing a strong need for expertise in financial services, retail banking, and hospitality design. The focus on "shaping a brighter way" and leveraging technology suggests a forward-thinking approach to real estate and design operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain and evolve comprehensive design guidelines, ensuring content is coordinated with all internal and external stakeholders for consistent project implementation.

• Support the creation of detailed design concepts, block plans, and test-fits, meticulously aligning them with specific program requirements.

• Conduct thorough reviews and provide constructive comments on design documents at all project development stages, from conceptualization to final construction.

• Offer proactive design support and strategic guidance to project managers and external design teams to effectively address and communicate design-related issues.

• Collaborate closely with a diverse range of consultants and product vendors to develop innovative design solutions that align with overall project objectives and client needs.

• Prepare compelling presentation materials and assist in presenting complex design topics and strategies to executive leadership, ensuring clear communication of vision and impact.

• Continuously research and stay updated on emerging trends, insights, and best practices in the design field to inform project strategies.

• Actively incorporate sustainability strategies and green building best practices into all design and construction projects, aligning with JLL's commitment to environmental responsibility.

• Support the development of robust dashboard reporting and executive summaries, while diligently monitoring project progress against established plans.

• Contribute to all functions and responsibilities of the global design department, ensuring cohesive and efficient operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking, detailed execution, stakeholder management, and a focus on operational efficiency within design and construction projects. The emphasis on "dashboard reporting" and "monitoring progress against plan" indicates a strong operational component to this design management role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Professional degree in Architecture or Interior Design is mandatory. Experience:

• A minimum of 7+ years of direct, hands-on experience in commercial architecture and interior design.

• Proven track record of successfully managing all phases of retail and hospitality interiors projects.

• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple complex projects concurrently from inception through post-occupancy.

• Extensive experience in programming, space planning, development of construction documents, detailing, material selections, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) specification.

• Comprehensive understanding of the entire project lifecycle. Required Skills:

• Applied knowledge of and advanced skills in utilizing AutoCAD software for design and documentation.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project) for project management and communication.

• Excellent oral and written presentation skills, essential for communicating design concepts to diverse audiences.

• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and relationship management skills, critical for stakeholder engagement and team coordination.

• Deep understanding of branded retail and hospitality environments, financial service operations, and their associated design components.

• Knowledge of building codes, standards, and building structures to ensure compliance and safety.

• Familiarity with MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) and structural building systems for integrated design. Preferred Skills:

• 3+ years of experience in global financial services and/or hospitality-focused retail design.

• Additional knowledge of Revit, Sketch-up, and InDesign software.

• Registration or certification with a relevant professional association (e.g., AIA, IIDA) is considered an asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a need for strong technical design skills (AutoCAD, Revit), project management capabilities, and deep domain knowledge in retail, hospitality, and financial services environments. The preference for global experience and additional software proficiency suggests a desire for candidates who can operate at a high level within a multinational corporation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex retail or hospitality interior design projects, demonstrating end-to-end project lifecycle management from programming to post-occupancy.

• Highlight specific examples of how you've developed and implemented design guidelines and block plans, illustrating your strategic planning capabilities.

• Include case studies that detail your process for reviewing and commenting on design documents at various stages, emphasizing your critical analysis and feedback methodology.

• Present examples of your collaboration with consultants and product vendors, showcasing your ability to integrate diverse solutions into cohesive designs.

• Demonstrate instances where you provided design support and guidance to project managers and external teams, illustrating your problem-solving and knowledge-sharing approach. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating and managing design documentation, including programming, space planning, construction documents, and FF&E specifications.

• Examples of how you've incorporated sustainability strategy and green building best practices into design and construction projects.

• Portfolios should ideally include examples of dashboard reporting or progress monitoring against project plans, demonstrating an understanding of operational oversight.

• Showcase your approach to staying updated with emerging trends and integrating them into design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to provide a portfolio that not only showcases design aesthetics but also demonstrates robust project management, process adherence, and operational oversight capabilities. This includes documentation of design guidelines, sustainability integration, and progress tracking.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $107,000 - $140,000 USD per year.

• This range is an estimate, and actual compensation will vary based on candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations. Benefits:

• 401(k) plan: With matching company contributions, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care: Ensuring holistic health and well-being for employees and their families.

• Paid Parental Leave: Offering 100% of salary for new parents to support family bonding and care.

• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays: Providing ample time for rest, rejuvenation, and personal pursuits.

• Early Access to Earned Wages: Through Daily Pay, offering financial flexibility and immediate access to earned income.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Design Manager role with the specified experience level in a major metropolitan area like Chicago. The benefits package is robust, emphasizing employee well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, which are key considerations for operations and design professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services & Investment Management. JLL operates globally, providing a wide range of services including property management, leasing, consulting, and capital markets expertise.

Company Size: Large enterprise with a global presence, indicating a structured environment with diverse opportunities and established processes. This scale implies a need for robust operational frameworks and standardized design practices.

Founded: Jones Lang LaSalle has a long history, tracing its roots back to 1832, suggesting a stable, experienced, and well-established organization with a deep understanding of the real estate market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Retail Design & Construction department, which in turn falls under a broader Design or Operations umbrella within JLL.

• Reporting structure will involve direct reporting to a senior design leader or director, with significant collaboration across project management teams, internal business units (like financial services clients), and external vendor networks.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, requiring close partnerships with project managers, construction teams, leasing agents, client account managers, and potentially IT and facilities departments to ensure integrated project delivery. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, leveraging analytics for space planning, trend identification, and performance reporting.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are essential for managing multiple concurrent projects, ensuring efficiency and timely delivery.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, particularly in documentation, reporting, and communication, to streamline design processes.

Company Website: https://www.jll.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: JLL's established presence and global scale suggest a professional and structured work environment. The emphasis on innovation and technology, as stated in their mission, indicates a culture that values forward-thinking approaches to real estate and design operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level position, requiring significant independent work and decision-making within the scope of design management. It bridges the gap between conceptual design and operational execution, demanding leadership and strategic input.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Director of Design or a Senior Manager within the Design & Construction division. They will manage relationships with various project stakeholders, including external design consultants and internal client-facing teams, but are unlikely to have direct reports in this specific role, focusing instead on design leadership.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts client satisfaction, brand consistency, project timelines, and budget adherence. Effective design management contributes to the operational efficiency and aesthetic appeal of financial service and retail spaces, influencing user experience and business performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like sustainable design, advanced building systems, and global design standards. Potential to lead larger, more complex, or international design projects.

• Learning & Development: Access to JLL's extensive learning resources, industry conferences, and potential for certifications in specialized design software or green building practices.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to Senior Design Manager, Director of Design, or roles within broader real estate operations or client account management, leveraging design expertise in a strategic capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical stepping stone for professionals looking to specialize in corporate real estate design operations, offering a clear path for advancement within a global organization. The emphasis on client-facing responsibilities and project leadership suggests a trajectory towards more senior operational or strategic roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site" in Chicago, IL, indicating a traditional office-based work environment within a JLL facility. This setup facilitates direct collaboration, access to resources, and a structured workday.

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL, a major commercial hub, offering accessibility and a vibrant professional ecosystem. Specific office details would be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with project managers, design teams, and potentially client representatives.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations for CAD/BIM software, is assumed.

• Opportunities for team interaction will be frequent, with a focus on project meetings, design reviews, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, aligning with business operational hours. However, project deadlines may occasionally require extended hours or weekend work, a common aspect of project management in design and construction. The on-site nature allows for clear boundaries but demands flexibility during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Chicago underscores the importance of in-person collaboration, access to physical resources, and adherence to a structured work environment typical for design management roles in large corporations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your experience in retail/hospitality/financial services design, AutoCAD proficiency, project management skills, and understanding of design operations.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, design process, challenges overcome, and outcomes achieved. This is a critical step to assess your practical application of skills and communication abilities.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential colleagues, project managers, or key stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style, technical acumen, and ability to integrate into the existing team dynamic.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic fit, long-term career aspirations, and final alignment with JLL's culture and goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in retail banking, hospitality, and financial services design. Emphasize projects where you managed the full lifecycle and demonstrated leadership.

• Process-Oriented Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design challenges, your specific process (e.g., programming, space planning, stakeholder engagement), the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Operational Impact: Showcase how your design decisions supported operational efficiency, brand consistency, and user experience. Include examples of your work with design guidelines and block plans.

• Technical Proficiency Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss your technical skills, particularly with AutoCAD, and how you've used it effectively. If you have Revit, Sketch-up, or InDesign experience, highlight those as well.

• Sustainability Integration: Clearly articulate your approach to incorporating sustainability and green building practices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential case study questions related to designing a specific type of financial service space or addressing a common design challenge in a retail/hospitality context.

• Prepare to discuss how you would manage conflicting stakeholder requirements or budget constraints while maintaining design integrity.

• Think about how you would develop and present design guidelines for a new client or a re-branding initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical experience and the ability to articulate one's design process and its operational impact. A well-structured portfolio that demonstrates strategic thinking and execution is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Mandatory proficiency for drafting, design development, and documentation. Expect questions on advanced features and workflow efficiency.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for reporting, communication, and project management (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).

• Revit, Sketch-up, InDesign: Preferred software, indicating a potential for BIM integration and more advanced visual design/presentation capabilities.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Dashboard Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): While not explicitly mentioned, the requirement for "dashboard reporting" suggests familiarity with tools that can visualize project progress, budget tracking, and design metrics.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like MS Project or similar tools for tracking tasks, timelines, and resource allocation is expected.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal JLL Systems: Likely proprietary or industry-specific CRM and project management systems will be used for client and project data management. Familiarity with how design data integrates into broader client relationship management is beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external team communication and file sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD is a must, with a strong preference for additional design software. The mention of "dashboard reporting" highlights a need for analytical skills and the ability to translate design data into actionable insights for stakeholders.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting client needs, particularly within the financial services and retail sectors, to deliver spaces that enhance business operations and customer experience.

• Excellence in Design: Commitment to high-quality design, innovation, and staying ahead of industry trends to provide cutting-edge solutions.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, vendors, and colleagues, fostering reliable partnerships.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing diverse perspectives and working effectively across internal teams and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Results: Driving projects to completion effectively, on time, and within budget, with a focus on measurable outcomes and operational improvements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with project managers, construction teams, marketing, and client representatives to ensure design aligns with broader business objectives.

• Process Review Culture: An environment that encourages feedback and continuous improvement of design processes, workflows, and documentation standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, emerging trends, and lessons learned across the design and construction teams to elevate collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: JLL likely fosters a professional, results-oriented culture that values collaboration, client success, and continuous improvement. The operations aspect of this role means that efficiency, clear communication, and a results-driven approach are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Operational Constraints: Navigating the tension between creative design aspirations and the practical limitations of budget, timelines, building codes, and client operational requirements.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively coordinating and aligning the needs and priorities of multiple stakeholders, including internal clients, external design teams, vendors, and JLL leadership.

• Keeping Pace with Rapid Industry Changes: Continuously adapting to evolving design trends, new technologies (like AI in design or advanced BIM), and shifting client demands in the fast-paced real estate and financial services sectors.

• Ensuring Global Consistency in Design Standards: For a global firm like JLL, maintaining brand consistency and high design standards across diverse geographical locations and regulatory environments presents a significant challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Software Training: Opportunities to gain advanced proficiency in Revit, BIM software, or other emerging design technologies.

• Sustainability Certifications: Pursuing certifications like LEED AP or WELL AP to enhance expertise in green building and healthy environments.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending major real estate, design, and construction industry events to network and stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced design leaders and operations professionals within JLL for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges inherent in large-scale corporate design and construction operations. The focus on continuous learning and development is key to thriving in this dynamic environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a strong design vision with significant budget or timeline constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and operational trade-offs.)

• "How do you ensure that design concepts are effectively translated into executable construction documents and implemented on-site according to brand standards?" (Assess process management and quality control.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing and maintaining design guidelines for a large client or brand. What key elements do you include, and how do you ensure adoption?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and operational documentation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about JLL's approach to design and sustainability? How do you see your role contributing to these initiatives?" (Show research and alignment with company values.)

• "Describe your experience working with financial services or hospitality clients. What are the unique design considerations for these sectors?" (Highlight domain expertise.)

• "How do you stay current with emerging design trends and technologies, and how do you integrate them into your work?" (Assess proactivity and innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the client, your role, the project objectives, the challenges, your design process, the solutions implemented (with specific examples of AutoCAD use, space planning, etc.), and the measurable results.

• Emphasize Operational Impact: Connect your design choices to operational efficiency, brand consistency, cost-effectiveness, and user experience. Use metrics where possible.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your technical workflow, software proficiency, and how you manage design documentation.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about specific design decisions, challenges encountered, and your problem-solving approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process from a strategic and operational perspective, highlighting their ability to manage complex projects, deliver results, and contribute to JLL's overall mission. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the JLL careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in retail banking, hospitality, and financial services design, emphasizing project management, AutoCAD proficiency, and your full project lifecycle experience. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 3-5 relevant projects that showcase your design process, leadership, and operational impact. Ensure it includes examples of design guidelines, space planning, and sustainable design integration.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clear storytelling, technical details, and articulating the operational benefits of your design solutions. Be ready to answer in-depth questions.

• Research JLL: Familiarize yourself with JLL's company values, recent projects, and commitment to sustainability. Understand their approach to real estate services and how design contributes to their client offerings.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.