Director, Ground Up Construction

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 This regional executive leadership role serves as the primary point of contact in the Bay Area for a major capital real estate portfolio supporting a high-profile global technology client. You will hold regional responsibility for all ground-up commercial developments, campus master buildouts, core-and-shell modifications, and major architectural Tenant Improvements (TIs), excluding specialized technical lab environments. Managing a high-performing regional delivery team, you will drive heavy ground-up construction, detailed Technical Due Diligence (TDD), and prime contractor governance to ensure superior operational execution.

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

Act as the single executive regional contact for client real estate leads, workplace strategists, land developers, and municipal officials.

Direct major ground-up new building developments, core-and-shell additions, structural modifications, and high-finish interior fit-outs.

Lead comprehensive Technical Due Diligence (TDD) site assessments to evaluate structural integrity, utility capacities, municipal zoning, and environmental conditions.

Directly lead, coach, and manage a team of 3–4 Program Managers and Associate Program Directors, overseeing daily workload distribution and performance reviews.

Partner with client stakeholders and pre-construction leads to establish preliminary order-of-magnitude estimates, target-value design baselines, and master schedules during pre-funding phases.

Manage general contractor selection, competitive bid-leveling for packages over $50,000, and field construction execution.

Enforce a strict Zero-Accident safety culture across all active sites, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) protocols.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Construction Management, Civil/Structural Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
12–15+ years of progressive executive leadership in commercial general contracting, ground-up development, or prime contracting for major enterprise clients.

Demonstrated track record directing major ground-up building developments and large-scale tenant improvements valued from $10M to $50M+.Minimum of 7+ years of experience directly managing and mentoring teams of Program Managers, Senior PMs, and Project Engineers.

Proven experience leading comprehensive Technical Due Diligence (TDD) site evaluations, structural audits, zoning reviews, and municipal permitting processes.

Deep familiarity with AIA contract structures, Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) task orders, and contractor indemnity requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

Active Licensed General Contractor (GC) credential.

Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) designation.

Hands-on proficiency with enterprise capital management software such as e-Builder or Procore.

Familiarity with project scheduling software, specifically Oracle Primavera P6 or Adaptive Work.

Basic knowledge of corporate financial management and reporting platforms like TM1.Understanding of Subcontractor Default Insurance (Subguard) programs and mechanic's liens processes.

This position does…