Manager of Development and Project Entitlements

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.   

We are looking for a Director of Development and Project Entitlements to be a key part of a corporate client's Center of Excellence.

Role Purpose

 JLL is seeking an experienced Director of Development and Project Entitlements to provide subject matter expertise for retail development projects across the continental United States. This senior-level position requires a minimum of 15 years of experience in retail and commercial development, with deep expertise in entitlement processes, permitting, and stakeholder coordination.

The successful candidate will drive exceptional client service delivery while optimizing project timelines and success rates for our banking sector client.

This role is new to our team and will require the candidate to develop new processes, refine existing processes and gain buy-in from key stakeholders. 

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Deliver exceptional client service through technical expertise, effective communication, and strategic relationship management
• Serve as the primary liaison between JLL, the client, and various stakeholders throughout the development process, ensuring seamless project coordination and timely delivery of outcomes
• Leverage extensive retail development expertise to guide successful project delivery from inception through full permit authorization and utility provisioning
• Accountable and responsible for completion of due diligence processes to inform feasibility of site selection; works with third party consultants to build advisory packages for client and delivery project management team.
• Accountable for completion of entitlement processes, including zoning applications, land use approvals, environmental permits, and utility coordination
• Analyze and optimize existing processes while developing new methodologies, playbooks, and responsibility frameworks for internal teams and external consultants
• Develop and refine tracking mechanisms to identify project schedule acceleration opportunities while minimizing forecast error rates
• Create and maintain comprehensive databases of permit expeditors, land use counsel, and subject matter experts
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for external consultants and monitor their performance, workload, and deliverables
• Conduct root cause analyses on problematic submissions and provide peer reviews of due diligence reports
• Provide expert consultation on complex or problematic developments, offering troubleshooting support and technical guidance
• Advise on landlord work letter lease negotiations, zoning requirements, environmental entitlements, and utility acquisition processes
• Foster collaborative relationships between transaction, design, and construction teams

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or Business (advanced degree preferred, particularly in retail or commercial development)
• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in civil engineering, architecture, or real estate development with strong emphasis on first and second-generation retail construction projects, both ground-up and in-line developments
• Comprehensive understanding of zoning laws, land use regulations, and entitlement processes across multiple jurisdictions
• Deep knowledge of land use planning, zoning codes, variance and special use approvals, PUDs, and subdivision processes
• Strong grasp of federal and local governmental authorities, building codes, environmental regulations, and laws affecting retail development
• Understanding of land surveying, title work, and utility provider requirements
• Proven track record managing projects from lease negotiation through entitlement, permitting, construction, and close-out phases
• Extensive knowledge of retail space design, construction requirements, and scheduling processes
• Experience with due diligence of physical site conditions, soil remediation implementation, and storm water management
• Proficiency in Excel and MS Project or equivalent industry scheduling software
• Demonstrated ability to monitor and direct multidisciplinary teams of architects, engin