Design Manager

JLL; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL seeks an experienced design professional to lead global design standards and guidelines, spanning architecture, interior design, and workplace strategy. You will manage the guidelines system, support innovation, and ensure consistency across the global portfolio.

You will coordinate content development, platform administration, and cross-functional collaboration with the Global Design Team, vendors, and stakeholders to advance workplace excellence worldwide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design
• 7–10 years of professional experience in architecture and workplace strategy
• Experience developing and managing corporate design standards or guidelines
• Strong understanding of commercial interior design, workplace strategy, and space planning principles

Responsibilities

• Global Guidelines Development & Management: platform administration, oversee website transition, and maintain guidelines processes.
• Standards Development & Coordination: implement guidelines across multiple areas (Client Center, Design & Build, EGD, Elevator Lobby, etc.).
• Content Enhancement & Documentation: compile furniture/ finishes specs with regional cost data, create deliverable examples for AoR use.
• Research & Development / Sample Coordination: manage material library, categorize samples, archive research materials.
• Innovation & Vendor Research: explore new products, engage with vendors, prototype millwork solutions.
• Document Control & Administration: archive management and maintain current project records.

Skills

Platform administration

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Content management systems

Sustainability knowledge

Architectural/Interior design

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture/Interior Design

Tools

ACC/Autodesk Construction Cloud

Microsoft Teams

Job description

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 (15-20% of role)

• Archive Management
• Lead the review and update of project archives from recent years (1-2 year lookback)
• Maintain centralized archive repository systems
• Ensure current project records remain organized, accessible, and up-to-date
• Convert documents to PDF format and manage distribution to stakeholders as requested

Desired experience and technical skills:

• Requirements:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related design discipline
• 7-10 years of professional experience in architecture and workplace strategy
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing corporate design standards or guidelines
• Strong understanding of commercial interior design, workplace strategy, and space planning principles
• Proficiency with digital platform administration and content management systems
• Advanced knowledge of design documentation, specifications, and industry standards
• Familiarity with document management systems such as ACC/Autodesk Construction Cloud and Microsoft Teams
• Working knowledge of sustainability frameworks and workplace wellness standards
• Strong program management, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multi