Director, Corporate Development Strategy Operations

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.  

Our people at JLL and JLL Technologies 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.   

Director, Corporate Development Strategy and Operations – JLL

Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid)

What this job involves:

Drive the strategic growth engine of JLL by leading corporate development pipeline development, negotiations, and JLL’s corporate development team operations across mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships. As Corporate Development Strategy & Operations Director, you'll serve as the operational backbone that defines, cultivates, and transforms deal strategy into execution reality, ensuring seamless integration of complex transactions while maintaining JLL's market leadership position. This role sits at the intersection of strategy and execution, where you'll orchestrate cross-functional teams, lead negotiations, optimize deal processes, and establish the operational framework that enables JLL to capitalize on growth opportunities in the dynamic commercial real estate landscape. Your leadership will directly impact JLL's ability to expand market presence, enhance service capabilities, and deliver exceptional value to clients through strategic transactions.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Lead end-to-end strategy and operational coordination of M&A transactions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships, managing multiple concurrent deals from initial due diligence through post-closing integration
• Collaborate with senior leadership, legal, finance, and business unit leaders to develop and execute comprehensive integration plans that maximize synergies and minimize operational disruption
• Establish and maintain standardized processes, tools, and methodologies for deal evaluation, execution, and integration, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency across all corporate development activities
• Manage cross-functional project teams and workstreams, coordinating resources and timelines while maintaining clear communication channels with internal and external stakeholders throughout transaction lifecycles
• Analyze market opportunities and competitive landscapes to support strategic decision-making, preparing executive presentations and recommendations for leadership review and board approval
• Oversee post-merger integration activities including cultural alignment, systems integration, and operational harmonization to ensure successful realization of projected benefits and synergies
• Monitor and report on key performance metrics for completed transactions, conducting post-deal reviews to identify lessons learned and continuously improve corporate development processes

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field; MBA strongly preferred from accredited institution
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or management consulting with demonstrated track record of leading complex transactions
• Minimum 3-5 years of investment banking experience with focus on M&A advisory, capital raising, or industry coverage, preferably within real estate, financial services, or professional services sectors
• Proven expertise in M&A processes including due diligence, valuation analysis, deal structuring, and post-merger integration within professional services or real estate industry
• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills with proficiency in advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and financial analysis software applications
• Demonstrated experience executing sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions, including preparation of pitch materials, management presentations, and transaction marketing processes
• Exceptional project management capabilities with experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple concurrent initiatives under tight deadlines
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills with ability to influence senior executives and effectively manage relationships with external advisors, legal counsel, and transaction counterparties

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

Estimated compensation for this position:

220,000.00 – 290,000.00 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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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.