Manager of Development and Project Entitlements

JLL; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with matching

Medical, Dental & Vision

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off

Daily Pay

Job summary

JLL is seeking an experienced Manager of Development and Project Entitlements in the United States to oversee retail development projects, from inception to full permit authorization. The role requires 15+ years in retail/conmercial development, expert knowledge of zoning, land use, environmental permits, and utility coordination, with strong Excel/MS Project skills.

Based in an on-site role across multiple markets including Dallas, TX, this position emphasizes client service, process

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or Business; minimum 15 years of relevant experience in civil engineering, architecture, or real estate development.
• Comprehensive understanding of zoning laws, land use regulations, and entitlement processes across multiple jurisdictions.
• Proven project management experience from lease negotiation through entitlement, permitting, construction, and close-out phases.
• Experience with due diligence of site conditions, soil remediation, storm water management, and scheduling software.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional client service through technical expertise and stakeholder management as the primary liaison among JLL, clients, and teams.
• Provide strategic oversight of entitlement processes, zoning apps, land use approvals, environmental permits, and utility coordination.
• Develop tracking mechanisms and KPIs to accelerate project schedules and monitor external consultants.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration among transaction, design, and construction teams; mentor and train teammates in retail development practices.
• Communicate clearly with clients and project teams, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.

Skills

Client service

Technical leadership

Process optimization

Strategic consultation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

MS Project

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 peopleand empowering them tothrive, 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.

Please Note: The posted locations above represent JLL's key hiring markets for this opportunity. We are also open to considering qualified candidates located near these markets or within reasonable proximity for business travel and client support requirements. This role also requires up to 25% travel based on project and client needs.

What this job involves:

JLL is seeking an experienced Manager 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.

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

• Client Service Excellence The Manager will deliver exceptional client service through technical expertise, effective communication, and strategic relationship management. This role serves as the primary liaison between JLL, the client, and various stakeholders throughout the development process, ensuring seamless project coordination and timely delivery of outcomes.
• Technical Leadership & Project Management Leverage extensive retail development expertise to guide successful project delivery from inception through full permit authorization and utility provisioning. Provide strategic oversight 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 including landlords, developers, expeditors, architects, and civil engineers.
• Process Optimization & Performance Management 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.
• Strategic Consultation & Problem-Solving 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. Contribute to organizational growth by achieving financial objectives while meeting specific retail construction requirements.
• Team Development & Collaboration Foster collaborative relationships between transaction, design, and construction teams. Contribute to training and development of team members in retail project implementation methodologies. Provide clear, concise reporting and communication between clients and project teams while continuously enhancing professional skills with focus on retail development trends.

Desired experience and technical skills:

• Education & Experience 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.
• Technical Expertise 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.
• Project Management Skills 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 is required.
• Specialized Knowledge Demonstrated ability to monitor and direct multidisciplinary teams of architects, engineers, and land use counsel throughout entitlement processes. Familiarity with rezoning processes, development agreements, subdivision platting, PUD approvals, civil engineering, utility easements, and public hearing processes. Environmental experience with soil contamination, floodplain, and wetland mitigation is advantageous.

JLL Values Integration

This role embodies JLL's commitment to Excellence by maintaining the highest standards of technical expertise and client service delivery. The position demonstrates Teamwork through collaborative leadership of multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder coordination. Integrity guides all interactions with governmental authorities, consultants, and clients, ensuring transparent and ethical project management. The role supports Sustainability through environmentally conscious development practices and regulatory compliance. Finally, the position exemplifies People First values by fostering team development, maintaining strong client relationships, and prioritizing clear communication throughout complex development processes.

Success Metrics

Success in this role will be measured by accurate project milestone scheduling, reliable delivery of project completions, improved approval authorization durations, and maximized success rates across the retail development portfolio. The ideal candidate will demonstrate consistent ability to minimize project timelines while maintaining quality standards and regulatory compliance.

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

Expected compensation for this position:

130,000.00 - 190,000.00 USD per year

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

Location:

On-site -Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL, Columbus, OH, Dallas, TX, New York, NY, Tampa, FL, Washington, DC

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

• 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

California Residents only

California Residents only

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Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.

Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.

Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.

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