Sub-Regional Lead UK, Ireland & Nordics

JLL; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate services firm is looking for a Sub-Regional Lead for UK, Ireland & Nordics, focusing on Life Sciences account management. Responsibilities include overseeing transition activities, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing vendor relationships across multiple sites. Candidates should have significant experience in facilities management with a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical sector. The role involves strategic leadership and requires proficiency in both Italian and English. This position offers opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years corporate real estate or facilities management with P&L responsibility >€25M.
• 5+ years managing integrated FM services across multiple countries/regions.
• Proven experience leading major account transitions in regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end transition of a Tier 1 Life Sciences client.
• Ensure compliance with pharmaceutical manufacturing standards.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with specialized vendors.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Complex Problem Solving

Commercial Acumen

Digital Transformation

Cultural Intelligence

Education

Advanced degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Sub-Regional Lead UK, Ireland & Nordics

Join to apply for the Sub-Regional Lead UK, Ireland & Nordics role at JLL.

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.

Job Summary

Sub-Regional Lead – Real Estate Management Services

Location: UK

Industry Focus: Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical

Account Type: Large‑scale transition with integrated FM services

Reporting: EMEA Account Director

Executive Summary

We are seeking an exceptional Sub‑Regional Lead to spearhead the management of a high‑complexity, multi‑billion‑euro Life Sciences account during a critical transition phase. This role demands a strategic leader capable of orchestrating integrated facilities management across specialized environments including GMP manufacturing facilities, R&D laboratories, cleanrooms, and corporate headquarters while ensuring zero business disruption during the transition period.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end transition of a Tier 1 Life Sciences client from incumbent provider
• Orchestrate mobilization across 15+ sites spanning Italy and neighbouring regions
• Develop and execute comprehensive transition roadmaps with critical path dependencies
• Manage transition risks including regulatory compliance, business continuity, and stakeholder expectations
• Coordinate with global JLL teams and client leadership throughout transition timeline

Integrated Service Portfolio Management

• Oversee comprehensive FM service delivery including:
• Hard FM: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, building automation systems (BAS)
• Soft FM: Cleaning (including cleanroom protocols), security, catering, waste management
• Specialized Services: Calibration, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), controlled environment maintenance
• Project Services: Minor works, space optimisation, lab modifications
• Compliance Services: Environmental monitoring, documentation management, audit support

Regulatory & Compliance Excellence

• Ensure 100% compliance with pharmaceutical manufacturing standards (EU GMP, FDA CFR Part 211)
• Maintain controlled environment integrity across cleanrooms and manufacturing areas
• Coordinate validation activities and maintain change control documentation
• Interface with regulatory affairs teams and support inspection readiness
• Implement risk‑based compliance monitoring and continuous improvement programs

Operational Excellence Requirements

• Advanced Financial Management: Manage complex P&L responsibility exceeding €xxM annually
• Develop sophisticated forecasting models incorporating seasonality, regulatory cycles, and project variables
• Lead annual budgeting process with detailed cost centre analysis and variance reporting
• Negotiate and manage contracts with 50+ specialised vendors and subcontractors
• Implement cost optimisation initiatives while maintaining service quality and compliance
• Manage capital expenditure planning and lifecycle asset management strategies

Sophisticated Vendor Ecosystem Management

• Curate and manage best‑in‑class vendor network for specialised Life Sciences services
• Develop vendor qualification protocols aligned with pharmaceutical supply chain standards
• Implement advanced performance management including KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement metrics
• Coordinate vendor risk assessments and business continuity planning
• Lead strategic vendor partnerships and innovation initiatives

Technology Integration & Innovation

• Leverage advanced IWMS platforms for space management and preventive maintenance
• Implement IoT solutions for environmental monitoring and energy optimisation
• Drive digitalisation initiatives including mobile workforce management and real‑time reporting
• Integrate with client’s manufacturing execution systems (MES) and laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
• Lead sustainability initiatives and ESG reporting requirements

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Matrix Organisation Leadership: Lead cross‑functional teams including engineering, compliance, operations, and commercial professionals
• Manage indirect reports across multiple service lines and geographical locations
• Drive cultural transformation and change management during transition period
• Implement talent development programmes and succession planning
• Foster collaboration across JLL’s global Life Sciences centre of excellence network

Executive Stakeholder Engagement

• Interface directly with client C‑suite executives and facility leadership
• Participate in quarterly business reviews and strategic planning sessions
• Lead crisis management and business continuity planning
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies and third‑party auditors
• Coordinate with legal teams on contract variations and commercial negotiations

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years corporate real estate or facilities management with P&L responsibility >€25M
• Minimum 5+ years managing integrated FM services across multiple countries/regions
• Proven experience leading major account transitions or large‑scale mobilisations in regulated industries
• Demonstrated success managing matrix organisations with 150+ professionals
• Advanced degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Life Sciences Industry Requirements

• Minimum 3+ years direct experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device environments
• Deep understanding of GMP requirements and pharmaceutical manufacturing operations
• Experience with cleanroom operations, validation protocols, and change control processes
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (EMA, FDA, ICH guidelines)
• Familiarity with laboratory operations and R&D facility management

Advanced Competencies

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop long‑term strategic plans and drive organisational transformation
• Complex Problem Solving: Proven ability to resolve multi‑faceted challenges in high‑stakes environments
• Commercial Acumen: Advanced understanding of contract structures, risk allocation, and value creation
• Digital Transformation: Experience implementing technology solutions and driving innovation
• Cultural Intelligence: Ability to operate effectively across diverse cultural and organisational contexts

Language & Mobility Requirements

• Native Italian proficiency and business‑fluent English (C1+ level)
• Additional European languages advantageous (German, French)
• Willingness to travel 40‑50% across European facilities
• Ability to relocate if required for account optimisation

Success Metrics & KPIs

• Client satisfaction scores >95% throughout transition period
• Zero regulatory non‑conformances or audit findings
• Financial performance within ±2% of budget targets
• Service level achievement >98% across all disciplines
• Successful completion of transition milestones within agreed timelines
• Team engagement and retention rates >90%

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with a global client, lead a diverse team, and drive innovation in facilities management. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in enhancing client satisfaction, optimising services, and contributing to the growth of JLL's facilities.

About JLL

We’re JLL—a leading professional services and investment management firm specialising 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 honoured to be recognised with awards for our success by organisations 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.