JLL supports the Whole You, personally and professionally.
Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology to our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people in our industry; and we support them through professional growth, flexibility, and personalized benefits to manage life in and outside of work. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades, and technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, we empower you to shape a brighter way forward so you can thrive professionally and personally.
JLL is seeking Operations Director to assume strategic ownership of one of our most important Life Sciences client partnerships. This role represents a unique opportunity to orchestrate the complete operational transformation of a European real estate portfolio, spanning 35+ highly regulated manufacturing and research sites.
As Operations Director, you will be responsible for delivering comprehensive, compliance-driven FM services that directly enable pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing excellence. This position demands a rare combination of strategic vision, deep regulatory expertise, and proven operational leadership in GMP-controlled environments.
Main Tasks
Complex Account Transition involves leading the operational transition of a Tier 1 Life Sciences client across 35+ European sites, orchestrating mobilization and developing comprehensive operational manuals while managing regulatory compliance and stakeholder expectations
Integrated Service Portfolio Management encompasses overseeing comprehensive FM delivery including Hard FM (HVAC, electrical, BAS), Soft FM (cleanroom cleaning, security, catering), specialized services (calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ), project services, and workplace management
Regulatory & Compliance Excellence ensures 100% compliance with pharmaceutical manufacturing standards (EU GMP, FDA CFR Part 211), maintains controlled environment integrity, coordinates validation activities, and supports inspection readiness
Advanced Financial Management includes managing complex P&L responsibility exceeding €25M annually,driving budgeting and forecasting, implementing cost optimization initiatives, and managing capital expenditure planning while maintaining service quality
Sophisticated Vendor Ecosystem Management involves curating best-in-class vendor network for specialized Life Sciences services, developing qualification protocols, implementing performance management with KPIs/SLAs, and leading strategic vendor partnerships
Technology Integration & Innovation encompasses leveraging advanced IWMS platforms, implementing IoT solutions for environmental monitoring, driving digitalization initiatives, integrating with client MES/LIMS systems, and leading sustainability/ESG reporting
Matrix Organization Leadership includes leading cross-functional teams across engineering, compliance, operations, and commercial functions, managing indirect reports across multiple service lines and geographical locations, and driving cultural transformation
Experiences
Essential Background requires minimum 10+ years in corporate real estate/FM with P&L responsibility >€25M and 5+ years managing integrated FM services across multiple countries
Life Sciences Experience includes minimum 3+ years in pharmaceutical/biotech environments with deep GMP understanding and cleanroom operations experience
Leadership Competencies encompass proven success managing matrix organizations with 50+ professionals and leading complex account transitions in regulated industries
Regulatory Knowledge includes familiarity with EMA, FDA, ICH guidelines and laboratory/R&D facility management experience
Advanced Skills require strategic leadership abilities, complex problem solving, commercial acumen, and digital transformation experience
Education & Mobility involve advanced degree in FM/Engineering/Business, business-fluent English, willingness to travel 40-50% across Europe, and ability to relocate if required
Success Metrics include client satisfaction >95%, zero regulatory non-conformances, financial performance within ±2% budget, service levels >98%, and team engagement >90%
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements below. 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.
About JLL –
We’re JLL—a leading professional services and investment management firm specializing in real estate. We have operations in over 80 countries and a workforce of over 102,000 individuals around the world who help real estate owners, occupiers and investors achieve their business ambitions. As a global Fortune 500 company, we also have an inherent responsibility to drive sustainability and corporate social responsibility. That’s why we’re committed to our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world. We’re using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people, and our communities.
Our core values of teamwork, ethics and excellence are also fundamental to everything we do and we’re honored to be recognized with awards for our success by organizations both globally and locally.
Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where we all feel welcomed, valued and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are today and where we’re headed in the future. And we know that unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation and succeed together.
