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 –

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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

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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

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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

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Desired experience and technical skills

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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

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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 organizations and leading decentralized teams
- Strong financial management abilities and P&L accountability experience
- Proven track record of implementing energy efficiency programs and sustainability initiatives
- Experience with LEED operations, Energy Star certification, or similar programs

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Expected compensation for this position:

145,000.00 – 155,000.00 USD per year

Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location:

On-site –JERSEY CITY, NJ

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements.  We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits include:

- 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

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here .

Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at [email protected] . This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.

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Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

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Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.