Associate, Corporate Development

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.  

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people  and empowering them to  thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong.  Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.   

Corporate Development / M&A Associate – JLL

Location: Chicago, Hybrid

What this job involves:

Join JLL's Corporate Development team as an M&A Associate and become a key contributor to our firm's strategic growth initiatives. This lean, highly visible team drives JLL's inorganic expansion strategy through acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic investments that shape the future of our business. In this role, you'll work directly with senior leadership to evaluate potential transactions, build financial models that inform critical decisions, and lead cross-functional teams through complex deal processes from initial sourcing through successful integration. This position offers exceptional exposure to high-stakes strategic initiatives and provides a unique opportunity to directly impact JLL's long-term growth trajectory while developing your expertise in corporate strategy and M&A execution within the commercial real estate industry.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• You'll support the full lifecycle of strategic transactions, from identifying opportunities through post-close integration.
• Your responsibilities will include building sophisticated financial models (DCF, comparable company analyses, precedent transactions) to evaluate potential deals and quantify synergies.
• Conduct comprehensive industry research and competitive analysis by examining SEC filings, Wall Street research, and market reports to identify attractive investment themes and assess potential targets.
• Managing due diligence processes will be central to your role, coordinating with internal teams and external advisors to identify risks and opportunities.
• Prepare compelling presentations and detailed reports for executive leadership that synthesize complex information into clear, data-driven recommendations.
• Working closely with finance, legal, and operations teams, you'll ensure seamless execution across all transaction phases.
• Provide analytical support during deal negotiations and structuring discussions, working alongside internal and external legal counsel.
• Maintain strict confidentiality while managing multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment.

Required Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of direct experience in investment banking, private equity, management consulting, or corporate development with hands-on involvement in M&A transactions, divestitures, or joint ventures.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related quantitative field.
• Demonstrated expertise building complex financial models including DCF, accretion/dilution analyses, and comprehensive valuation methodologies.
• Exceptional analytical skills with proven ability to synthesize dense materials like SEC filings and equity research into actionable insights.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting data-driven recommendations to senior executives.
• Proven project management capabilities with ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives from start to finish in deadline-driven environments.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for financial modeling and executive presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA degree or CFA designation demonstrating advanced financial expertise.
• Previous experience specifically within commercial real estate, real estate services, or related industries.
• Familiarity with deal structuring and negotiation processes in M&A contexts. Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams across finance, legal, and operations in transaction environments.
• Background conducting strategic industry research and competitive intelligence gathering. Strong network within investment banking, private equity, or corporate development communities.
• Experience with integration planning and post-merger integration activities.

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

Estimated compensation for this position:

13,000.00 – 15,000.00 USD per year

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:

On-site –Chicago, IL

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're pursuing.

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For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.

Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at HRSCLeaves@jll.com. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.

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Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.