Project Execution Lead

Position Overview 

The PDS Execution Lead serves as the strategic leader and owner of project delivery excellence within Project & Development Services (PDS) on the program. This role combines strategic business leadership with operational oversight, driving consistent high-quality project execution while developing talent and growing the business. The Execution Lead is accountable for the performance, profitability, and growth of the portfolio, ensuring alignment with OnePDS objectives and client expectations across all service lines. 

Job Summary/Goals 

This role reports to the Managing Program Director and serves as the primary strategic driver of PDS delivery excellence across the region. The PDS Regional Lead is responsible for developing and executing regional strategy, managing regional financial performance, building and leading high-performing teams, and ensuring seamless client service delivery across a diverse portfolio of projects. This position requires a leader who can balance strategic vision with operational execution, inspire teams to deliver exceptional results, and drive year-over-year regional strategy and client satisfaction. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth 

• Develop and execute comprehensive execution strategy aligned with PDS business objectives and OnePDS goals (Inspire People, Thrill Clients, Grow Business) 

• Serve as strategic advisor to clients, providing thought leadership on project delivery optimization, cost efficiency, and process innovation 

• Drive consistent application of PDS 5-Phase Process, methodologies, and governance frameworks across all regional projects 

• Partner across Regional Leads and other services to ensure integrated delivery excellence 

Operational Excellence & Performance Management 

• Ensure adherence to established KPIs and reporting requirements across all service lines 

• Work with the established COE to continuously assess and optimize delivery processes to eliminate waste and drive efficiency 

• Work with the established COE to analyze regional performance data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities 

• Foster accountability for adherence to project controls, budget management, and schedule performance across all teams 

• Ensure construction readiness, quality assurance, and successful project closeout across the regional portfolio 

Team Leadership & Talent Development 

• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing team of Region Leads, Project Managers, Development Managers, Construction Managers, and support staff 

• Attract top talent and support organizational goals of creating diverse teams at every level 

• Identify career growth plans for each team member and create development strategies to achieve those plans 

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to direct reports and broader team members 

• Drive a culture of accountability, measuring team efficiency and delivering value through ongoing data collection and metric reporting 

• Manage out low performance through strategic resourcing, timely feedback, and decisive action when necessary 

• Support educational and training opportunities that enable professional growth for team members 

Client Relationship & Service Delivery 

• Serve as senior point of contact for key client relationships 

• Maintain high levels of transparency and trust through proactive communication and value-driven reporting 

• Navigate difficult conversations and manage fiduciary responsibilities for both JLL and clients 

• Ensure seamless execution of account expectations by coordinating cross-functional teams and service providers 

• Drive integration and communication amongst all service lines to create successful project execution 

• Position JLL as the provider of choice by delivering exceptional results that create mutual benefit for JLL, clients, and customers 

Experience 

• Required: 10+ years of direct experience in real estate/retail/QSR project management, construction management, or development management 

• Required: 5+ years of proven leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary teams across large geographic area (preferred continental US) 

• Required: Demonstrated success managing P&L and achieving business growth targets 

• Required: Extensive experience with corporate real estate/retail/QSR, commercial construction, or development projects 

• Required: Strong working knowledge of project controls, financial reporting, budgeting, scheduling, and capital planning 

• Preferred: Experience leading teams within a third-party service provider model 

• Preferred: Background in both new construction and renovation/reinvestment projects 

• Preferred: Experience with contract management, procurement, and vendor relationship management 

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 

• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to develop and execute business strategy, aligning regional operations with enterprise objectives 

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to inspire, influence, and lead diverse teams across multiple locations 

• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of cost control, and financial performance metrics 

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with ability to present to executive-level stakeholders 

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions 

• Process Improvement: Experience with change management and driving continuous improvement with regional teams 

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to manage complex relationships with clients, internal teams, contractors, and third-party partners 

• Technical Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of architectural drawings, construction methods, and building systems 

• Technology Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in project management tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, PlanGrid, TRIRIGA, or similar platforms) 

Leadership Competencies 

• Business First: Demonstrates commercial awareness and makes decisions that balance client needs with JLL profitability 

• Drive Change: Champions innovation, challenges status quo, and leads organizational transformation initiatives 

• Help Others: Invests in team development, removes barriers, and creates opportunities for others to succeed 

• Inspire Others: Creates compelling vision, generates enthusiasm, and motivates teams to achieve excellence 

• Get It Done: Delivers results through effective execution, accountability, and follow-through 

• Think Big: Anticipates future needs, imagines possibilities, and develops forward-looking strategies 

Key Performance Indicators 

• Project delivery KPIs (schedule adherence, budget performance, quality metrics) 

• Client satisfaction scores and retention rates 

• Team utilization rates and resource optimization 

• New business development and pipeline growth 

• Team member engagement, retention, and development progress 

Travel Requirements 

• Travel expectations: 30-40% to support site visits, client meetings, and team development 

Beneficial Skills and Experience 

• PMP, LEED, AIA, PE, or similar professional certifications 

• Knowledge of industrialized construction methods and emerging delivery innovations 

• Experience managing portfolios exceeding $50M+ in annual construction value 

• Background in change management and organizational process improvement 

Education Requirements 

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or Business. Advanced degrees appreciated. 

Time Allocation 

• Inspire People (IP): 30-40% – Team leadership, talent development, culture building 

• Thrill Clients (TC): 30-40% – Client relationships, service delivery oversight, quality assurance 

• Grow Business (GB): 20-40% – Strategy development, business development, innovation