Design Manager

Location: New York

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.
What this job involves:

We are seeking an experienced design professional with a strong background in architectural and workplace strategy to lead the development, management, and evolution of global design standards and guidelines. This role is responsible for ensuring consistency across the company’s global portfolio while supporting innovation and adaptability to changing business needs. The position combines strategic design thinking, program management, and cross-functional collaboration to maintain a comprehensive global guidelines system and support workplace design excellence.

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

Global Guidelines Development & Management (50-60% of role after initial ramp-up)
Platform & System Administration Lead the program management of the website transition from the vendors, ensuring seamless migration and enhanced functionality

Serve as primary administrator for the platform, managing updates, corrections, and ongoing system optimization

Remediate legacy content inconsistencies and errors from previous Front Office and Tech & Ops contributions

Maintain and update design guidelines application processes, including managing exceptions based on line of business requests

Standards Development & Coordination Program manage the development and implementation of new and revised guidelines across multiple areas including, but not limited too:

Client Center Guidelines Design & Build reduced Guidelines for local leadership teams

Line of Business and Select Guidelines Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) Guidelines Elevator Lobby Guidelines Good/Better/Best tiered standards

Hydration station Guidelines Wellness, Lactation, Medical, and Prayer room standards

Content Enhancement & Documentation Compile comprehensive furniture, finishes, and lighting specifications (cut sheets) with cost data organized by region

Develop standardized deliverable examples including furniture packages for Architect of Record (AoR) use Create and maintain Architect Onboarding presentation materials

Coordinate amenities metrics and space allocation percentages with the Amenities Department Manage integration of sustainability content and updates

Maintain references to strategic partners' standards (Engineering, Resilience, Technology, A/V, Security, etc.)Research & Development / Sample Coordination (20-25% of role)
Material Library Management Support the Global Design team in maintaining a relevant, organized, and forward-looking material and sample library

Review and categorize existing samples, distinguishing between active-use materials and research-focused specimens

Organize and archive research materials, photos, and insights from international design events and industry visits

Innovation & Vendor Research Conduct proactive research into emerging products, finishes, and vendors to expand design solutions across all budget categories

Engage with vendors and collaborate with architects to identify innovative materials and applications

Program manage prototyping initiatives for new millwork solutions in coordination with the Global Design Team Capture and document knowledge from key design industry events and trade shows

Document Control & Administration…