Critical Systems Manager

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 –As the key player responsible for critical building infrastructure, you'll:
Drive operational excellence across all mission-critical systems (power, HVAC, life safety, BMS)
Develop and mentor a high-performing engineering and operations team
Implement innovative facility management strategies and preventive maintenance programs
Oversee financial performance, capital planning, and service delivery
Foster strong relationships with tenants, building ownership, and corporate stakeholders
Ensure 24/7/365 reliability of all critical infrastructure systems
What is your day to day?Critical Systems Operations & Management:
Oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of all mission-critical building systems including emergency generators, UPS systems, switchgear, chillers, boilers, BMS, life safety systems, and vertical transportation
Ensure operational performance readiness and integrity of building infrastructure in a 24/7 environment
Monitor and analyze building system performance through BMS, CMMS, and analytics tools to optimize efficiency and identify potential issues before they impact operations
Manage and coordinate planned maintenance activities, testing schedules, and system upgrades with minimal disruption to tenants
Team Leadership & Development:
Work with and develop Building Engineering team members
Provide technical guidance on equipment operations, preventive maintenance protocols, and emergency response procedures
Develop a succession planning program including onboarding, training, account rotation, and career development for engineering staff
Client & Stakeholder Management:
Maintain strong interface with building ownership, property management, and corporate real estate personnel
Ensure total contract compliance with all service level agreements and performance specifications
Develop and nurture relationships with key tenants, particularly those with critical operations requirements
Effectively manage communications during critical emergencies (system failures, power events, life safety incidents)
Lead root cause analysis efforts to avoid repeat failures or service delivery lapses
Financial & Performance Management:
Manage MEP system repair and maintenance budgets, capital expenditure plans, and forecasted expenses
Review performance metrics and KPIs to ensure the property operates within goal parameters
Measure, monitor, and report cost savings and value contributions to executive leadership
Provide input to annual financial plans and strategic initiatives
Identify and execute portfolio optimization and cost reduction opportunities
Compliance, Safety & Risk Management:
Ensure all systems are operated, maintained, and tested per local, state, and national codes (NYC Building Code, FDNY, DOB, OSHA, NFPA 70E)
Maintain compliance with EHS requirements and JLL audit standards
Oversee Arc Flash Safety protocols and electrical safety programs
Ensure proper closeout and commissioning requirements for capital projects
Maintain comprehensive archives of drawings, schematics, equipment manuals, warranty documents, and critical operational information
Vendor & Contract Management:
Manage critical service providers, suppliers, and contractor relationships
Oversee MEP vendor contracts, service agreements, and performance accountability
Effectively utilize account teams and corporate resources for optimal service delivery
Coordinate with project management on capital improvements and tenant build-out projects
Systems & Reporting:
Ensure accuracy and timely updates to all client and JLL systems (Corrigo, SharePoint, CMMS, etc.)
Manage client reporting requirements and ensure contractual compliance
Conduct routine assessments of infrastructure operations and document findings
Support process owners with implementation of standardized procedures and best practices
Desired experience and technical skills Required:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Systems, or equivalent experience
8-10 years of building engineering management or facilities management experience, with at least 5 years in critical systems operations for large commercial office properties (500,000+ SF)
Extensive electrical, mechanical & plumbing knowledge of Class A commercial high-rise facilities with very strong background in critical building systems including:
Emergency/standby generators and automatic transfer switches
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and power distribution infrastructure
Central plant operations (chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps)
HVAC systems (air handlers, VAV systems, controls)
Building Management Systems (BMS) and Building Automation Systems (BAS)
Life Safety Systems (fire alarm, sprinkler, emergency communication, smoke control)
Strong knowledge of Electrical/Arc Flash Safety standards (NFPA 70E)
Technically proficient in operations of BMS platforms (e.g., Tridium, Johnson Controls, Siemens), CMMS software, Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD, and Visio
Demonstrated leadership skills in managing technical teams and demanding client relationships
Strong oral and written communication, negotiation, and analytical skills
Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities with capacity to develop alternative approaches and solutions
Strong analytical ability to assess complex situations and execute effective solutions
Strong organizational skills to arrange resources for maximum productivity and efficiency
Excellent judgment, problem-solving, and crisis-management skills
Project management skills for capital improvements and system upgrade initiatives
Financial acumen including budget development, variance analysis, and investment planning
Availability for 24/7/365 on-call responsibility for escalated emergencies and critical system failures
Schedule: Monday - Friday day shift and weekend coverage as needed
Preferred:
State electrical or HVAC licenses (NJ/NY)
Experience managing Class A high-rise properties exceeding 1 million square feet
Familiarity with network topology and communication protocols (Modbus, BACnet, SNMP)
Experience in matrix management org