Manager of Development and Project Entitlements

JLL; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL seeks an experienced Manager of Development and Project Entitlements to lead retail development projects across the continental United States. You will oversee zoning, permitting, and stakeholder coordination, driving timely delivery and client satisfaction.

Ideal candidates bring 15+ years in retail/commercial development, deep entitlement knowledge, and a proven track record in overseeing multi-disciplinary teams, with strong communications and strategic problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Client service excellence and relationship management.
• Technical leadership and project management for complex retail developments.
• Process optimization, KPI tracking, and performance reviews.
• Strategic consultation on zoning, environmental entitlements, and utility coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead client service and serve as liaison among JLL, client, and stakeholders throughout development.
• Guide project delivery from inception through permit authorization and utility provisioning.
• Develop and refine tracking mechanisms and databases for permits, expeditors, and SME networks.
• Provide expert consultation on complex developments and negotiate landlord work letters and zoning requirements.
• Foster collaboration between transaction, design, and construction teams and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Client service

Project management

Process optimization

Strategic consulting

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or Business

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.

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:

Requirements:

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,