Senior Occupancy Planner / Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Occupancy Planner / Design Manager

Company: JLL

Location: Chicago, IL / Phoenix, AZ (Remote OK)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Real Estate Operations / Workplace Strategy & Design

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 7-10+ years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead strategic occupancy planning and design management for a key financial services client, optimizing workplace and retail portfolios.

• Translate business requirements into innovative physical space solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives and employee experience goals.

• Drive portfolio optimization through data analysis, utilization studies, and the development of strategic recommendations.

• Establish and govern workplace standards, planning guidelines, and branding for renovation and new build projects.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Corporate Real Estate, Workplace Experience, and Project Management, to deliver integrated solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends operational strategy with design governance, requiring a candidate who can bridge the gap between high-level portfolio planning and detailed project execution. The focus on a financial services client suggests a need for understanding regulated environments and a high degree of professionalism and discretion.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with Corporate Real Estate, Workplace Experience, Project Management, and business leaders to define workplace requirements and translate them into actionable space planning solutions.

• Develop comprehensive stack plans, test fits, feasibility studies, capacity analyses, and scenario modeling to inform critical business and real estate decisions.

• Analyze occupancy, utilization, and broader portfolio data to identify trends, pinpoint optimization opportunities, and generate data-driven strategic recommendations for leadership.

• Establish, maintain, and enforce workplace standards, planning guidelines, and brand governance requirements across all real estate projects.

• Critically review and provide expert guidance on architectural and design deliverables, from initial programming through the construction phases.

• Actively support and manage workplace transformation initiatives, including consolidations, relocations, and portfolio optimization projects, ensuring seamless transitions.

• Develop compelling executive-level presentations and strategic recommendations tailored for client stakeholders and senior leadership teams.

• Collaborate effectively with project teams to ensure occupancy requirements, design standards, budgets, and project schedules remain in strict alignment throughout project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "executive-level presentations" and "trusted advisor" roles indicates a need for strong communication and influencing skills, beyond just technical planning abilities. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they've successfully influenced stakeholders and secured buy-in for their recommendations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum of 7-10+ years of progressive experience in workplace planning, occupancy planning, corporate architecture, interior design, or similar strategic real estate disciplines.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in leading corporate workplace renovations, significant workplace transformation initiatives, and/or complex retail design projects.

• Strong understanding and practical application of occupancy planning methodologies, workplace standards development, utilization analytics, and portfolio-level planning.

• Proven ability to create, evaluate, and present feasibility studies, scenario models, test fits, and detailed space allocation plans.

• Extensive experience working collaboratively with architects, interior designers, and project managers throughout the entire project lifecycle, from concept to completion.

• Solid understanding of workplace design principles, spatial relationships, furniture planning (FF&E), and building systems integration.

• Working knowledge of local building codes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, and general accessibility standards.

• High proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for developing executive-level presentations and articulating planning recommendations.

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and modeling.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD for space planning and design documentation.

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite for visual communication and presentation materials.

• Familiarity with Bluebeam for document collaboration and review.

• Experience with Matterport for virtual tours and site analysis. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience supporting financial services institutions, retail banking environments, or large, complex corporate portfolios.

• Knowledge of WELL Building Standard, LEED certification, and other sustainability initiatives related to green building design and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific software like AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and Matterport, alongside advanced Excel and PowerPoint, highlights the technical and presentation demands of this role. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their proficiency with these tools, potentially through portfolio examples. The preference for financial services experience indicates a need for understanding compliance and client-facing professionalism.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct case studies demonstrating successful workplace planning and design management projects, ideally within corporate or financial services environments.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the business challenge, the planning approach taken, the solutions developed (including spatial layouts and design concepts), and the quantifiable outcomes or benefits achieved.

• Include examples of feasibility studies, test fits, or scenario modeling that directly influenced strategic real estate or design decisions.

• Demonstrate the application of workplace standards, branding governance, or design guidelines in your project examples.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., Project Management, Facilities, Business Units) and external partners (Architects, Designers). Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented and optimized planning processes, such as workflow design for test fits or standards development.

• Illustrate your approach to translating client requirements into design programs and functional specifications.

• Showcase how you have used data analysis and utilization metrics to inform and validate planning strategies and process improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a strong portfolio is critical. It should not only display technical skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to drive tangible business results through effective space planning and design management. The emphasis on client engagement and data-driven decision-making should be evident.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $92,000 - $125,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Care plans.

• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays.

• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for project deadlines and client needs. Remote work arrangement offers potential for flexible scheduling within defined workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on the information given. Actual compensation may vary based on candidate qualifications, specific location (even within remote options, cost of living can play a role), market conditions, and internal JLL compensation policies. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being, which is attractive for senior-level operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services & Investment Management. JLL operates globally, providing a wide array of services including property management, leasing, investment sales, and strategic advisory.

Company Size: JLL is a large, publicly traded global corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale offers significant resources, diverse project opportunities, and a structured corporate environment.

Founded: Jones Lang LaSalle was founded in 1783 (Jones Lang Wootton) and later merged with LaSalle Partners in 1999. This long history signifies stability, deep industry expertise, and a well-established reputation.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a client-focused team, likely dedicated to supporting a major financial services client's real estate portfolio.

• This team will include specialists in Corporate Real Estate Strategy, Workplace Experience, Project Management, and Facilities Management, requiring strong cross-functional collaboration.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Director or Senior Manager overseeing client real estate operations or a specific portfolio segment. Methodology:

• JLL emphasizes a data-driven approach to real estate strategy and operations, leveraging analytics to inform decisions and optimize portfolio performance.

• A core methodology involves understanding client business objectives and translating them into tangible workplace solutions that enhance employee productivity and experience.

• Emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and leveraging technology (including AI) to deliver best-in-class services.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: JLL's global presence and extensive client base mean this role offers exposure to large-scale, complex projects. The company's emphasis on technology and data analytics aligns with modern operations best practices, and candidates should be prepared to discuss how they integrate these into their work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating significant autonomy, responsibility for complex projects, and a need for strategic thinking and leadership. It's a role that requires seasoned professionals who can act as trusted advisors to clients and internal stakeholders.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Occupancy Planner / Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the JLL client account team, likely a Director or VP. They will collaborate extensively with peers in Project Management, Workplace Experience, and Facilities Management, as well as directly with client business unit leaders.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the client's operational efficiency, employee productivity, and overall employee experience through strategic space planning and design. It influences capital expenditure decisions related to real estate and contributes to the client's ability to attract and retain talent by creating effective work environments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in workplace strategy, specific client industries (e.g., financial services), or advanced planning methodologies.

• Leadership: Progress to managing larger teams, more complex portfolios, or taking on broader account management responsibilities within JLL.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to gain certifications (e.g., LEED, WELL AP), attend industry conferences, and learn new technologies and planning tools.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop strong client relationships that can lead to expanded roles and responsibilities on high-profile accounts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For senior operations roles, demonstrating strategic foresight and the ability to influence business decisions is paramount. Candidates should consider how their past experiences showcase these capabilities and how they envision growing within JLL's structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is designated as "Remote OK," with specific remote locations in Chicago, IL, and Phoenix, AZ. This implies a primary work arrangement from a home office, with potential for occasional travel to client sites or JLL offices for critical meetings or project milestones.

Office Location(s): While remote, the role is tied to major metropolitan areas (Chicago and Phoenix) which are likely hubs for the client's operations and JLL's presence. This could mean access to JLL office spaces for collaborative work or client meetings if desired or required.

Workspace Context:

• The remote nature requires a self-disciplined and organized individual capable of managing their own schedule and work environment effectively.

• Access to reliable internet and a professional home office setup is essential.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital platforms (video conferencing, shared documents, project management tools), necessitating strong virtual communication skills.

• The role involves significant interaction with digital tools for planning, design, and presentation, requiring a technically adept individual.

Work Schedule: While the role is full-time (likely 40 hours/week), the remote aspect may offer some flexibility in daily scheduling, provided work is completed and deadlines are met. However, client-facing responsibilities and project timelines may necessitate working outside standard hours occasionally.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates comfortable and productive in a remote, self-directed environment will be best suited for this role. They should be prepared to articulate how they maintain productivity, collaboration, and work-life balance in a remote setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview: Expect interviews focused on your technical skills in occupancy planning, space design, data analysis, and proficiency with required software (AutoCAD, Excel, PowerPoint). You may be asked to walk through specific project examples.

• Case Study/Presentation: A common step for this level of role is a presentation of your portfolio or a specific case study. This is where you'll demonstrate your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. Be prepared to discuss challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key internal stakeholders (e.g., Project Managers, Workplace Experience leads) and potentially client representatives to assess collaboration style and ability to align with business needs.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best represent your skills in occupancy planning, design management, and strategic problem-solving.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the business problem, your role, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, improved employee satisfaction). Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your planning methodology, how you collaborated with stakeholders, and how you navigated challenges.

• Tool Proficiency: Highlight your use of required software (AutoCAD, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) within your project examples.

• Client Focus: If possible, include examples of working with clients or in client-facing roles, demonstrating your ability to understand and meet external needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for questions like, "How would you approach optimizing space for a growing department of 50 employees?" or "What are the key considerations for a workplace consolidation project?"

• Data Interpretation: Prepare to interpret sample data (e.g., utilization reports, space allocation matrices) and provide recommendations.

• Software Proficiency: Practice articulating your workflow and problem-solving approaches using the specified software.

• Strategic Thinking: Think about how space planning impacts business goals, employee experience, and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on demonstrating practical application of skills and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio and the ability to articulate past successes with specific examples and quantifiable results will be crucial for advancing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating and modifying floor plans, test fits, and space allocation diagrams. Proficiency in creating accurate and detailed drawings is expected.

• Microsoft Excel: Critical for data analysis, capacity modeling, scenario planning, utilization tracking, and financial analysis related to space. Advanced functions, pivot tables, and potentially basic macros are beneficial.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: The primary tool for developing executive-level presentations, conveying complex planning concepts, and presenting recommendations to stakeholders. Strong graphic design and storytelling skills are needed.

• Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator): Used for creating visually appealing presentations, infographics, and design concepts that enhance communication and impact.

• Bluebeam Revu: A powerful tool for PDF creation, editing, markup, and collaboration, commonly used in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) for plan review and document management.

• Matterport: A platform for creating immersive 3D virtual tours of spaces, useful for site analysis, remote collaboration, and client presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific analytics platforms aren't listed, expect to leverage data from existing client systems or use Excel for analysis of occupancy, utilization, and portfolio data.

• Reporting will heavily involve creating dashboards and summaries within PowerPoint. CRM & Automation:

• Not explicitly mentioned as primary tools for this role, but familiarity with how space planning integrates with broader CRM (e.g., Salesforce for client management) or IWMS (Integrated Workplace Management Systems) could be a plus.

• Automation in this context likely refers to streamlining planning processes or reporting through Excel or other scripting tools rather than enterprise-level workflow automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of AutoCAD, advanced Excel, and polished PowerPoint presentations are non-negotiable. Familiarity with design visualization tools and PDF collaboration software like Bluebeam is also highly valued in this industry.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of the financial services client, acting as a dedicated partner.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizing the use of data and analytics to inform all planning and design recommendations.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Seeking out new approaches to workplace design and planning that enhance efficiency, employee experience, and portfolio performance.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with internal JLL teams and client stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Professionalism & Integrity: Upholding high standards of conduct, discretion, and ethical practice, particularly within a financial services context.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Project Management, Workplace Experience, Facilities, and client business units to ensure integrated solutions.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly engaging with stakeholders to provide updates, gather input, and ensure alignment on project objectives and standards.

• Problem-Solving Partnership: Working collaboratively to identify and resolve challenges related to space, design, and occupancy.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: JLL's culture, as described, emphasizes collaboration and a service-oriented approach. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they build relationships and drive consensus in complex, matrixed environments, especially when dealing with external clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with Standards: Effectively managing competing demands between client-specific operational requirements and established JLL/client workplace standards.

• Data Interpretation Complexity: Synthesizing diverse data sets (utilization, qualitative feedback, business forecasts) into actionable insights.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication without constant in-person interaction.

• Dynamic Client Environment: Adapting to evolving business needs and real estate strategies of a large financial services client.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating diverse perspectives and priorities among various client and JLL stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of evolving workplace trends, design innovations, and occupancy planning methodologies.

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

• Technology Adoption: Learning and implementing new tools and technologies that streamline planning and design processes.

• Client Account Growth: Gaining deeper understanding of the financial services industry and expanding responsibilities within the client account.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior leaders within JLL's extensive network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for professional growth by tackling complex challenges within a major client account. Success will depend on adaptability, continuous learning, and the ability to translate strategic insights into practical, impactful solutions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex occupancy planning challenge you've faced and how you resolved it. What was the outcome?" (Focus on data, collaboration, and strategic impact).

• "How do you approach developing and enforcing workplace standards across a diverse portfolio?" (Highlight governance, communication, and change management).

• "Imagine a client wants to reduce their real estate footprint by 15% while maintaining employee productivity. What are your initial steps and considerations?" (Demonstrate analytical rigor, scenario planning, and client-centricity).

• "How do you leverage data and analytics to inform space planning decisions and demonstrate ROI?" (Showcase Excel skills, metrics, and persuasive presentation of findings). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for JLL and specifically supporting this financial services client?" (Research JLL's values, mission, and client's industry).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team environment, especially in a remote setting?" (Provide examples of proactive communication and relationship-building).

• "Describe your experience working with corporate real estate, project management, and business unit leaders." (Highlight your ability to speak their language and align objectives). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your career and key achievements, then present 2-3 detailed case studies. For each case study: Problem -> Your Role/Approach -> Solution -> Results (Quantified).

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals from your projects (renderings, floor plans, data charts) within your presentation slides. Ensure they are clear and easy to understand.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to fit within the allocated slot, leaving ample time for Q&A.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your decision-making process, challenges encountered, and lessons learned. Show enthusiasm and confidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely assess both technical expertise and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your strategic approach, problem-solving methodologies, and how you influence stakeholders. A polished portfolio presentation is key for demonstrating your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Occupancy Planner / Design Manager position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in occupancy planning, workplace strategy, design management, portfolio analysis, and proficiency with AutoCAD, Excel, and PowerPoint. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a professional portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver results in space planning and design management. Ensure it includes examples of feasibility studies, test fits, and stakeholder presentations.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, practice answering common interview questions related to strategy, collaboration, and problem-solving, and research JLL's values and the financial services industry.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with JLL's services, culture, and its approach to workplace strategy. Understand the typical needs and challenges of a large financial services client.

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