Role Overview
The Key Account & Operations Director is a senior leadership position with a dual focus: ensuring operational excellence across the PDS business in the Philippines and providing strategic, hands-on leadership to key account projects, particularly in specialised sectors such as Data Centres, Industrial, Technical Due Diligence, Testing & Commissioning, and Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades.
Reporting to the Philippines PDS General Manager and collaborating closely with the PDS SEA Head of Operations, you will be integral to maintaining operational compliance, championing system adoption, and driving risk management. Simultaneously, you will assume accountability for the successful delivery of complex, high-value projects and act as a senior figure for client escalation support across the country.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Operations Management
- Oversee the daily operations of the PDS business in the Philippines, spanning project management, design, construction, and technical advisory.
- Proactively manage, promote, and train staff on PDS platforms such as Project Toolkit, Ingenious Build, Jaggaer, Power BI, Qualtrics, OpenSpace/VR360, and others.
- Partner with the PDS SEA+K Head of Operations on governance, risk, EHS, technology, and operational processes.
- Maintain and enhance Quality Management Systems to uphold ISO14001, ISO45001, and ISO9001 certifications.
- Lead the monthly risk register review process and follow up with project teams for close-outs.
- Conduct compliance reviews and internal audits on selected projects to ensure effective process utilization.
- Coordinate annual performance goal setting for all staff.
- Respond to and resolve country-wide client escalations, ensuring client satisfaction.
- Coach and mentor team members in project management, commercial and operational topics, and leadership behavior.
- Review resourcing to improve project profitability, with an understanding of CI Margin and PDS financials.
Project Delivery
- Oversee key account projects end-to-end, with full accountability for delivery and outcomes.
- Lead multiple project programmes to ensure timely and cost-effective completion.
- Drive business development and retention locally and regionally, focusing on both core and non-core sectors.
- Act as the client's advocate, building and maintaining strong relationships.
- Manage the assembly and performance of consultants, contractors, and suppliers for project success.
- Ensure accurate and timely project reporting on safety, environment, programme, budgets, risk, and profitability.
- Proactively identify, mitigate, and report on project and operational risks.
- Champion the adoption and usage of JLL technology tools across project delivery.
Performance Objectives
- Champion and embody PDS strategic goals, leadership behaviours, and company values.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and open contribution within your teams.
- Facilitate or conduct staff training on updated processes, policies, and systems.
- Support the implementation and consistent use of project management tools and templates.
- Oversee staff onboarding, orientation, and ongoing training programmes.
- Liaise with cost management on procurement and contract administration.
- Uphold excellent communication and collaborative relationships across all internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure timely, effective risk and HSSE reporting.
- Promote knowledge-sharing, lessons learned, and showcase business successes.
- Participate in C+EE (Culture and Equity) initiatives.
Key Skills & Experience
Technical Expertise
- Deep understanding of construction, project management, design, and business management practices.
- Proven experience across all project phases: planning, design, construction, testing, commissioning, and closeout.
- Strong background in contract, commercial management, procurement, and various delivery methodologies.
- High proficiency in technology solutions supporting project management and construction.
- Commercial negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Sound understanding of legal and compliance requirements for planning and delivery.
Leadership & People Skills
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
- Demonstrated capability to mentor, coach, and upskill team members, developing talent across the business.
- Proven experience resolving issues and managing client escalations at a senior level.
- Ability to anticipate trends, drive change, and influence both locally and remotely.
Business Acumen
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational capabilities.
- Commercially astute, able to assess client needs and deliver on business opportunities.
- Demonstrated history of sector growth and business development.
- Skilled in bid preparation and delivering persuasive project presentations.
Quality & Compliance
- Deep experience with ISO14001, ISO45001, ISO9001 requirements and maintaining accreditations.
- Expertise in managing full project lifecycles.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Microsoft Project, and cost reporting solutions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a relevant Project or Construction Management discipline.
- Minimum of fifteen (15) years experience in Design, Construction, or Project Management, ideally in leadership or director roles.
Join JLL's PDS Philippines team to lead transformative projects and drive consistent operational excellence across our dynamic and diverse portfolio. 
