Manager – Development and Project Entitlements

Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.

. Deliver exceptional client service through technical expertise, effective communication, and strategic relationship management .

Posted 4/10/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois, New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $160,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Deliver exceptional client service through technical expertise, effective communication, and strategic relationship management
Serve as the primary liaison between JLL, the client, and various stakeholders throughout the development process, ensuring seamless project coordination and timely delivery of outcomes
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
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
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
Foster collaborative relationships between transaction, design, and construction teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
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
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

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

civil engineeringarchitecturereal estate developmentzoning lawsland use regulationsentitlement processesland use planningbuilding codesretail space designsoil remediation

Soft Skills

client serviceeffective communicationstrategic relationship managementproject coordinationanalytical skillstroubleshootingcollaborationperformance monitoringroot cause analysisconsultation

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeadvanced degree in retail or commercial development