Senior Lab Planner

JLL; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL in Mountain View, CA is seeking a Senior Labs Planner to lead planning and coordination of complex laboratory projects, aligning long-term supply and demand with short-term technical needs.

The role requires collaboration across Real Estate and Workplace Services, Labs Engineering, and Project Management, with mentoring responsibilities for junior planners and a focus on data-driven optimization and standards adherence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field.
• 7-10 years in interior design, lab/space strategy or facilities management.
• Experience with large-scale campus strategy and occupancy planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead lab space planning and scenario development for complex projects.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including REWS, REDD, Labs Engineering and PM.
• Mentor Lab Planners and drive data-driven optimization.
• Maintain lab infrastructure database and data governance.

Skills

Lab space planning

Occupancy planning

AutoCAD

CAFM systems

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

AutoCAD

CAFM systems

Space data management

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.

Position Summary

The Senior Labs Planner leads the planning and coordination of complex, high-impact laboratory projects and supports long-term supply and demand planning as well shorter-term technical projects. This individual acts as the primary liaison among cross-functional teams-including client lab managers / users, Real Estate and Workplace Services (REWS), Real Estate Design and Delivery (REDD), Labs Engineering, and Labs Project Management, among others-to facilitate seamless communication and timely project handoffs. The role involves developing comprehensive project frameworks, creating supply/demand scenarios, driving continuous improvement in lab planning methodologies and delivering lab-based solutions while mentoring other planners.

Essential Job Duties

Strategic Planning & Scenario Development

• Lead scenario planning and strategy, including analysis, stack planning, migration planning (identifying swing space needs), block plans, allocation plans, and adjacency plans.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define and document the strategic vision, long-term goals, and business justification for lab facilities.
• Develop and present problem statements, business cases, and strategic planning options for labs with recommendations, outlining benefits, risks, and pros/cons.
• Support the development of lab portfolio migration strategies and manage initiatives and re-stacks spanning multiple Product Areas
• Utilize data analysis tools to generate lab space solutions and compare options to achieve a comprehensive view of potential outcomes.

Technical Planning & Infrastructure

• Coordinate with Labs Engineering and Project Management teams to evaluate MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) capacity during feasibility studies and ensure infrastructure capabilities in target labs.
• Provide technical planning support, including programming, equipment details, and solution development (space plans, lab furniture/equipment layouts, test fits, and block plans).
• Identify complex equipment integration requirements and critical infrastructure planning needs.
• Apply knowledge of building codes, fire safety regulations, and accessibility standards to planning activities.

Operations, Standards and Collaboration

• Conceptualize preliminary requirements for multiple lab projects, including data gathering, scope determination, and goal identification, before handing off test fits and supporting documentation to the Project Management team for implementation.
• Create and maintain trackers for Product Area lab space and related schedules.
• Own one or more initiatives, track assigned deliverables, and provide timing/scheduling inputs to stakeholders as appropriate.
• Ensure lab space planning activities comply with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and client satisfaction targets.
• Contribute to the maintenance of the lab infrastructure database and Adaptive Work records by providing timely updates.
• Collaborate with internal and external vendor partners, including Occupancy Planning, MAC/Moves, Delivery, Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) and Project Managers, as required.

Mentorship & Optimization

• Provide mentoring, coaching, and training to Lab Planners and new team members on programming, planning analysis, and solution development.
• Analyze data and identify trends in space allocation and use them to discover optimization opportunities and actionable insights for design.
• Develop, maintain, and ensure use of proper standards, templates, and data governance processes.
• Contribute to the maintenance of the lab infrastructure database and Adaptive Work records by providing timely updates.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of related work experience in interior design, architecture, lab and/or space strategy, master planning, facilities management, or project management.
• Extensive experience with large-scale campus and portfolio-wide strategy and occupancy planning projects, including labs or other critical environments.
• Experience in analytics and performing in a fast-paced environment with measurable results.

Skills & Competenci es

• Strategic Knowledge: Proficiency in Lab space planning, programming, and occupancy strategy.
• Technical Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in AutoCAD, CAFM systems, and space data management solutions.
• Basic knowledge of lab infrastruct