Operations Manager, Governance

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Overview

The Operations Manager, Governance sits at the critical intersection of operational excellence, process re-engineering, and digital innovation. Reporting directly to the Bay Area Governance Lead, the role is responsible for converting strategic governance frameworks into scalable digital workflows, custom applications, and standardized operational procedures. While rooted in Bay Area account operations, this position drives cross-regional alignment, incubating novel solutions locally before scaling them across the broader AMER region.

Rather than maintaining static administration, this role is built for a proactive builder and systems thinker. This is a dynamic, evolving account that cares as much about launching to iterate as it does about establishing deep operational rigor. As account priorities and operating models evolve, role responsibilities are expected to fluidly shift. The ideal candidate embraces ambiguity, tests Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) to rapidly address operational friction, and methodically embeds lasting institutional discipline.

Key Responsibilities

A. Technology, AI Enablement & Continuous Process Improvement

• AI & Workflow Integration: Identify, evaluate, and operationalize emerging AI capabilities (such as LLM-driven synthesis, document processing, and predictive analytics) alongside enterprise productivity tools to automate repetitive governance workflows and accelerate decision-making.
• Continuous Improvement Engine: Conduct ongoing audits of account-level workflows to identify bottlenecks, redundancies, and manual friction points; engineer lean, automated alternatives that enhance team velocity and accuracy.
• Tool Development Lifecycle: Lead the product lifecycle—from business requirements gathering and rapid prototyping to UAT and deployment—for custom governance tools, approval routing portals (e.g., headcount, travel, contract changes), and self-service trackers using Google Workspace, AppSheet, Smartsheets, and low-code platforms.
• Data Hygiene & Architecture: Establish automated validation checks, schema standardization, and data pipelines connecting operational systems (e.g., CMMS/Corrigo, CRM databases) to ensure a single source of truth for executive reporting.

B. Cross-Regional Program Management & Operational Rigor

• Incubation to Scale: Pilot and refine governance workflows and digital tooling within the Bay Area environment before standardizing and expanding them account-wide across the AMER region.
• Standardization & Playbooks: Author and maintain high-quality Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), governance charters, operational playbooks, and decision matrices to ensure cross-regional consistency.
• Change Enablement & Training: Design change management roadmaps, user-friendly communication campaigns, and enablement workshops to drive seamless adoption of new governance platforms across account teams.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Bridge operational silos by collaborating closely with regional governance leads, facility managers, finance leads, and account directors to harmonize account processes.

C. Proactive Communication, Risk Management & Value Storytelling

• Proactive Expectation Setting: Serve as a transparent, authoritative communication hub across work streams, proactively establishing timelines, operational dependencies, resource requirements, and deliverable SLAs.
• Risk Flagging & Escalation: Steward the Account Risk Register; monitor operational signals to identify emerging vulnerabilities early and structure decisive mitigation strategies before client impact occurs.
• Executive Value Storytelling: Transform raw operational performance data into compelling narrative storylines that articulate how governance initiatives protect client interests, optimize expenditure, and drive business outcomes.
• Client & Leadership Presentations: Craft high-caliber briefing documents, executive dashboards, and presentation decks tailored for senior client and internal leadership reviews.

Required Qualifications & Core Competencies

Professional Experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in Business Operations, Governance, Program Management, or Corporate Real Estate (CRE) / Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) operations.
• Proven track record of independently managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs within enterprise accounts.

Technology & AI Fluency

• Demonstrated hands-on experience leveraging modern digital tools, generative AI workflows (prompts, synthesis, workflow automations), and low-code/no-code platforms (Google Workspace, Google AppSheet, AppScript, Smartsheets) to streamline business operations.
• Strong systems fluency with ability to quickly learn, configure, and integrate enterprise platforms.

Operational Mindset

• High agility and comfort operating with a "launch-to-iterate" philosophy—capable of deploying functional MVPs rapidly while systematically architecting long-term operational rigor and governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated resilience and adaptability in dynamic, fast-evolving account environments where priorities shift.

Communication & Value Storytelling

• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual presentation skills with proven executive presence.
• Demonstrated mastery in value storytelling—translating granular metrics into strategic business insights.
• Relentless proactivity in setting expectations, aligning cross-functional teams, and transparently flagging risks.

Data Analytics & Insights

• Advanced capability in data synthesis, dashboard design, variance analysis, and maintaining data hygiene across disparate systems.
• Experience transforming descriptive historical metrics into forward-looking, predictive operational indicators.

Preferred Attributes

• Familiarity with Facilities Management enterprise platforms (e.g., Corrigo CMMS, VFA, or similar work order/asset management systems).
• Background in client-facing account management or strategic vendor governance in high-tech corporate campus environments.
• Experience with agile project management methodologies, sprint planning, and rapid prototyping workflows.

At JLL, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, along with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. If you are a highly analytical and results-driven professional looking to optimize performance and drive operational excellence, we invite you to apply and join our team as a Operations Manager, Governance at JLL.

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Expected compensation for this position:

Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

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If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. 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. Some of these benefits include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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Empowering you to shape a brighter way.

At JLL, we give you the opportunity, knowledge and tools to own your success, because we value what makes each of us unique. We help our people thrive, grow meaningful careers and find a place where they belong. ​Together, we strive to be exceptional and shape a better world.

For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with operations in over 80 countries around the world, our employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.