Occupancy Planner / Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Occupancy Planner / Design Manager

Company: JLL

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Real Estate Operations / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead occupancy planning initiatives and provide strategic design management for a key financial services client's retail branch portfolio.

• Translate complex business requirements into innovative, efficient, and future-forward physical space solutions, ensuring alignment with client objectives and employee/customer experience.

• Act as a primary steward of the client’s design guidelines and branding standards, ensuring portfolio-wide consistency and operational excellence.

• Collaborate extensively with internal stakeholders and external design partners to deliver high-quality, brand-aligned retail environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid of strategic occupancy planning and hands-on design management within a corporate real estate context, specifically for a retail financial services client. The emphasis is on translating business needs into functional and branded physical spaces, requiring a blend of analytical planning and aesthetic/standards governance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with business leaders to proactively identify and forecast current and future space requirements, driving strategic portfolio utilization.

• Develop comprehensive feasibility studies, scenario modeling, test fits, and space planning options to support a diverse range of retail branch projects, including renovations, refreshes, and new builds.

• Serve as the primary guardian of the client’s established design guidelines and branding standards across a dynamic and geographically dispersed portfolio, ensuring a unified customer experience.

• Recommend, educate, and rigorously enforce planning standards, space policies, and design protocols to maintain operational efficiency and brand integrity.

• Support overarching portfolio planning activities such as expansions, consolidations, relocations, renovations, refreshes, and new build projects, ensuring strategic alignment.

• Act as the central point of contact for all project-level design and planning matters, facilitating clear communication and decision-making.

• Collaborate effectively with external architects, designers, consultants, and vendors to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality, standards-compliant projects.

• Actively participate in all phases of the design process, including programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and permit review, providing critical operational and planning input.

• Review and approve detailed floorplans, test fits, furniture layouts, art, signage, and comprehensive design packages to guarantee alignment with client standards and workplace guidelines.

• Provide essential design oversight throughout the project execution phase to ensure unwavering adherence to approved design intent and project scope.

• Work closely with construction teams and vendors to proactively resolve design challenges, mitigate risks, and maintain overall project quality and timelines.

• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant accessibility standards, local building codes, ADA requirements, and corporate design standards, minimizing legal and operational risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong analytical skills in space planning and forecasting, coupled with a keen eye for design detail and brand adherence. The role demands significant cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management, particularly within the financial services sector, implying a need for understanding regulatory environments and client-facing design considerations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture, Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in space planning, occupancy planning, corporate real estate strategy, architecture, interior design, or a similar operational role. Prior experience supporting financial services organizations and managing retail portfolios is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in space planning methodologies, occupancy planning principles, and utilization analytics.

• Demonstrated ability to create and evaluate comprehensive feasibility studies, scenario models, test fits, and space allocation plans.

• Strong understanding of design guidelines, spatial relationships, furniture planning, and building systems.

• Proficiency in developing and delivering executive-level presentations, including clear floorplan reviews and test-fit recommendations.

• Working knowledge of local building codes, ADA requirements, and accessibility standards.

• Exceptional relationship management skills with the ability to establish trusted partnerships with business leaders, project teams, and external design partners.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate design standards, planning principles, and portfolio strategies clearly and effectively.

• Experience working directly with architects, designers, and project managers throughout project lifecycles, managing design intent from inception to completion. Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting financial services organizations and retail portfolios.

• Knowledge of WELL Building Standard, LEED certification, and other sustainability initiatives.

• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement suggests a mid-level to senior role. The emphasis on financial services and retail portfolios, along with preferred certifications like LEED and PMP, indicates a need for candidates who can navigate complex client needs and project management rigor. The technical skills listed in the description (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.) are critical for day-to-day execution and should be considered essential qualifications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong track record of developing and executing strategic occupancy plans that optimize space utilization and align with business objectives.

• Showcase case studies of successful space planning projects, including test fits and scenario modeling, highlighting problem-solving approaches and measurable outcomes.

• Provide examples of how you have translated client branding guidelines and design standards into tangible physical space solutions.

• Include documentation of processes used to ensure compliance with building codes, ADA requirements, and accessibility standards.

• Present evidence of experience in managing design review processes, including the approval of floorplans, furniture layouts, and signage. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to requirements-gathering workshops and planning sessions with diverse stakeholders, detailing how you capture and translate business needs.

• Detail your methodology for developing and delivering executive-level presentations on space planning recommendations and design proposals.

• Show examples of how you collaborate with and manage external architects, designers, and vendors to ensure project quality and adherence to standards.

• Document your process for reviewing and approving design packages, ensuring alignment with client standards and workplace guidelines throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to present a portfolio that not only showcases design output but also the strategic thinking, process management, and stakeholder engagement involved in occupancy planning and design leadership. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable results and adherence to standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $73,000 - $90,000 USD per year

Benefits:

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

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Care plans for employee and dependent well-being.

• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary, promoting work-life balance during significant family events.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays to support rest and rejuvenation.

• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay, offering financial flexibility.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, flexibility may be expected for critical project deadlines or stakeholder meetings, common in project management and design roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on factors such as candidate qualifications, specific location within Chicago, market conditions, and internal JLL compensation structures. The benefits package is competitive and emphasizes employee well-being and financial security, aligning with typical offerings for professional roles in large corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services and Investment Management. JLL operates globally, providing a wide array of services including property management, leasing, capital markets, and project and development services.

Company Size: JLL is a large, global corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide, indicating a structured environment with established processes and significant resources. This size offers opportunities for internal mobility and diverse project exposure.

Founded: Jones Lang LaSalle was formed in 1999 through a merger, with roots tracing back over two centuries. This long history suggests a stable, established company with deep market knowledge and a robust operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Occupancy Planner / Design Manager will likely be part of a broader Corporate Solutions or Project & Development Services team, focusing on a specific client account.

• The team structure will involve close reporting lines to senior operations or account management leads, with significant collaboration across Project Management, Facilities Management, and Client Strategy teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring seamless integration with client-side business units, corporate real estate departments, and external design/construction partners. Methodology:

• JLL's approach emphasizes data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics for portfolio optimization and space utilization.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, particularly in managing complex real estate projects for large clients.

• Automation and efficiency practices are increasingly important, though this specific role leans more on strategic planning and design governance rather than direct automation implementation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: JLL's extensive global presence and long history suggest a professional, results-oriented culture. For operations professionals, this means working within well-defined frameworks while having opportunities to influence client strategies and drive efficiency in large-scale real estate operations. The emphasis on client service is a core cultural tenet.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and real estate services sector. It requires a blend of strategic thinking (occupancy planning, portfolio optimization) and tactical execution (design review, standards enforcement), positioning the individual as a key advisor to a major client.

Reporting Structure: The Occupancy Planner / Design Manager will likely report to a senior manager within JLL's Corporate Solutions or Project Management division, who oversees the client account. They will also work closely with client-side real estate and business unit leaders.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the client's operational efficiency, brand perception, and employee/customer experience within their retail footprint. Effective occupancy planning and design management can lead to significant cost savings, improved space utilization, enhanced productivity, and stronger brand reinforcement, all of which are critical to a financial services client's success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in financial services real estate, retail design strategies, or advanced occupancy modeling.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior Occupancy Planner, Design Director, Account Director, or broader portfolio management roles within JLL.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to gain certifications (e.g., advanced LEED, PMP, IFMA) and develop expertise in new workplace strategies and technologies.

• Client Management: Transition into roles with greater client relationship management responsibilities or lead larger, more complex client accounts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear pathway for growth within JLL's vast real estate services network, particularly for those who excel in client advisory and operational strategy within the corporate real estate domain. The financial services sector experience is a valuable differentiator for future roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based on-site in Chicago, IL, within a JLL office or potentially a dedicated client space. This implies a professional office setting designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL. Specific building details would be provided upon engagement, but Chicago is a major business hub offering excellent accessibility via public transport and amenities.

Workspace Context:

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

• Access to standard office technology, including advanced presentation tools and design software (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.), will be essential for daily tasks.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with client stakeholders will be frequent, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule, typically Monday through Friday, is expected. While direct on-site presence is required, occasional flexibility may be necessary to accommodate project timelines, client meetings, or site visits, common for roles managing construction and design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major city like Chicago suggests a dynamic work environment where professionals are expected to engage directly with colleagues and clients, fostering a culture of collaboration and responsiveness critical for real estate project management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess alignment with minimum qualifications and experience.

• First Interview: Typically a behavioral and experience-based interview with the hiring manager to discuss past projects, responsibilities, and fit with JLL's culture and client needs. Be prepared to discuss your experience in occupancy planning, design standards, and client management.

• Portfolio Review/Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, focusing on relevant occupancy planning, space design, and project management examples. This is a crucial step to assess your strategic thinking, technical skills, and ability to communicate complex information.

• Final Interview(s): May involve interviews with senior leaders, client representatives, or cross-functional team members to assess broader strategic alignment, stakeholder management capabilities, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in occupancy planning, retail design, and corporate real estate, ideally with a financial services or similar client context.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business challenge, your role and responsibilities, the planning/design process you followed, the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., space utilization improvements, cost savings, brand consistency).

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to walk through floor plans, test fits, and design packages, explaining your rationale and use of tools like AutoCAD or Revit.

• Demonstrate Client Focus: Emphasize how you managed stakeholder expectations, translated business needs into design solutions, and ensured brand consistency.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your approach to conflict resolution, managing competing priorities, and staying current with industry trends.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a case study or hypothetical scenario related to optimizing space for a retail branch or a series of branches. This might involve analyzing space needs, developing test fits, or proposing design solutions based on specific business goals.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, explaining your assumptions, methodologies, and recommendations.

• Focus on demonstrating how you would balance client requirements, operational efficiency, brand standards, and budget constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate not just technical proficiency but also strategic thinking, communication skills, and the ability to manage complex client relationships. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical application of skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating and reviewing floor plans, test fits, and space layouts. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Revit: Familiarity is preferred for advanced design modeling and documentation.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Critical for developing executive-level presentations, scenario modeling, and communicating planning recommendations.

• Bluebeam: Preferred for PDF review, markup, and collaboration on design documents.

• Matterport: Familiarity is preferred for 3D scanning and virtual tours of existing spaces.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, expect to utilize internal JLL or client-specific platforms for portfolio data analysis, utilization tracking, and reporting on space metrics.

• Proficiency in data interpretation and translating data into actionable insights for space planning is key. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as primary requirements for this role, suggesting the focus is more on design and planning than direct sales or marketing operations automation. However, familiarity with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Smartsheet) would be beneficial.

• Integration knowledge for real estate management systems may be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes design and visualization tools crucial for space planning and presentation. Candidates with strong AutoCAD skills and experience with presentation software will have a distinct advantage. Familiarity with BIM (Revit) and collaboration platforms (Bluebeam) is increasingly important in modern design and construction workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A paramount value in JLL's service-oriented business, emphasizing understanding and exceeding client expectations in all real estate operations.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, partners, and colleagues, particularly crucial in financial services.

• Teamwork: Collaborative approach to problem-solving and project delivery, essential for managing complex real estate projects.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality outcomes, continuous improvement, and innovation in space planning and design solutions.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing data and analytics to inform strategic decisions and measure the impact of operations and design initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration: Expect to work closely with diverse teams (Project Management, Facilities, Business Strategy, Design) requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Process review and feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to refine processes and improve project outcomes.

• Knowledge sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices and lessons learned across projects and teams to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: JLL's values are geared towards professional service delivery, emphasizing client success, ethical conduct, and collaborative problem-solving. Operations professionals in this environment are expected to be proactive, client-centric, and adept at working within a team structure to achieve strategic goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements from various business units, design teams, and facilities.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring uniform application of design standards across a large, potentially diverse portfolio of retail branches.

• Adapting to Evolving Workplace Trends: Integrating new concepts in workplace design and employee experience within a traditional financial services context.

• Navigating Complex Projects: Managing the intricacies of renovation, refresh, and new-build projects within budget and timeline constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to refine expertise in occupancy modeling, space utilization analytics, and strategic portfolio planning.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant certifications such as LEED AP, PMP, or IFMA credentials.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced professionals within JLL's extensive network for guidance on career progression and skill development.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining broader experience by working on different types of projects or with various client segments within JLL's portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex real estate challenges for a major client, fostering professional growth in strategic planning, design governance, and stakeholder management. The company's commitment to learning and development suggests a supportive environment for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing space requirements from different business units. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on stakeholder management, negotiation, and strategic alignment.)

• "How do you ensure design standards and branding are consistently applied across a large, dispersed portfolio of retail locations?" (Highlight your process for governance, review, and communication.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing a test fit for a new retail branch. What factors do you consider?" (Demonstrate your analytical approach, technical skills, and understanding of client needs.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about JLL and this specific client's portfolio?" (Research JLL's services, recent projects, and the financial services industry.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to JLL's mission of shaping a brighter way for real estate?" (Connect your skills to JLL's values and client-centric approach.)

• "Describe your experience working with external architects and designers. How do you ensure successful collaboration?" (Emphasize your partnership approach and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an executive summary of your role and the project's objectives. Then, detail the challenge, your process, the solution, and the measurable results.

• Visuals: Use clear, high-quality visuals such as floor plans, renderings, and photos. Annotate them to highlight key design decisions and planning elements.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives that showcase your problem-solving abilities and impact.

• Metrics: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., percentage increase in space utilization, cost savings achieved, reduction in project timeline).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strategic thinking, technical expertise, and strong communication skills. Be ready to articulate your process, showcase your portfolio effectively, and connect your experience to JLL's client-focused culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the JLL careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience in occupancy planning, retail design, corporate real estate, and any financial services client work. Quantify achievements with data whenever possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency with key software like AutoCAD, PowerPoint, and any familiarity with Revit, Bluebeam, or Matterport. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), especially for behavioral questions. Prepare to present your portfolio with a focus on process, impact, and client collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research JLL, its services, its commitment to sustainability, and the financial services industry. Understand JLL's values and how your approach aligns with them.

⚠️ 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.