Associate Capital Director, Construction

About the role

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 a Capital Associate / Associate Capital Director, you will serve as the second member of a two-person capital function, reporting directly to the Lead Capital Director, overseeing capital expenditures across a diversified portfolio of office, industrial, retail, and multifamily assets.

You will independently own the delivery of defensive CAPEX and renovation projects and provide first-level technical review of due diligence, budgets, contracts, and draws within your delegated authority. You will also serve as the day-to-day coordination point for the function's third-party delivery network.

While mission-critical, high-risk, and development matters are led by the Lead Capital Director, you will play a key role in supporting their execution. This is a role designed to extend the function's coverage and capacity across acquisitions and asset management - not an administrative or assistant position.

What your day-to-day will look like

Acquisitions support

• Manage and coordinate engineering and environmental due diligence on acquisitions and dispositions (e.g., Property Condition Reports, environmental and PML studies, Sustainability Management Reports, construction diligence reports)
• Coordinate due diligence site visits, including scheduling, property access, consultant attendance, property team interviews, and document requests, and manage clerical and administrative requirements of each diligence process
• Maintain diligence trackers, deliverable status, open-item logs, and organized, audit-ready diligence files for each transaction
• Perform the initial review of due diligence documents and consultant reports, identifying omissions, inconsistencies, material findings, and required follow-up
• Review, assess, and provide guidance on operating partner development and CAPEX budgets
• Advise on underwriting and due diligence of prospective development projects, offering analysis on design, constructability, scheduling, and cost implications
• Summarize findings, recommended follow-up, and potential cost or risk implications for the Lead Capital Director's final review
• Assist the Lead Capital Director in negotiations when acquiring or disposing of real estate assets (e.g., PSA and JVA negotiations, purchase price adjustments), including preparing issue logs, cost support, and backup documentation
• Assist the Lead Capital Director in compiling ICOMM materials (budget slides, due diligence summaries, etc.)
• Assist in efforts to finance acquisitions by providing technical guidance to lenders
• Assist contract property managers with the transition of newly acquired properties
• Support acquisitions activities more broadly as needed

Asset management delivery

• Independently lead the planning and execution of defensive CAPEX and renovation projects within delegated authority, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and within scope and quality
• Provide guidance during the concept, schematic, and design phases of projects
• Provide insights and recommendations on project scope, scale, components, and building/contracting methods, focusing on value engineering
• Identify value engineering opportunities to create highest value on pre-construction activities, including scope development and budgeting
• Coordinate with internal teams, vendors, and consultants to design efficient project execution strategies
• Facilitate RFP processes, selection, and contracting for general contractors, architects, engineers, and other consultants
• Review project scopes, budgets, schedules, proposals, and construction contracts within delegated authority, identifying scope gaps, risk allocation, and commercial issues
• Monitor construction activities, review contractor pay applications, approve change orders within delegated authority, and participate in project meetings
• Perform initial review of draws, including lien waivers, invoices, supporting backup, and consistency with approved budgets and contracts
• Maintain draw and project documentation, including contracts, change orders, approvals, and closeout records
• Escalate draw exceptions, disputed amounts, and material budget or change order concerns to the Lead Capital Director
• Conduct property inspections and collaborate with asset managers on capital improvement plans, maintenance strategies, and CAPEX forecasting
• Review and develop solutions for asset management situations (e.g., mold remediation, water intrusion, concrete failure), evaluating extension of useful life versus replacement
• Provide ad hoc recommendations on CAPEX strategies to asset management
• Support the Lead Capital Director in project-based and annual budget reviews and technical oversight during dispositions
• Identify mission-critical or high-risk projects, or those exceeding delegated authority, and escalate to the Lead Capital Director

Property management interface

• Respond and provide solutions to contract property management on architectural, engineering, and environmental issues at managed properties
• Evaluate construction and engineering plans and specifications for various projects
• Assist in selecting appropriate professionals and contractors for special projects
• Provide guidance to contract property management regarding prospective tenant uses
• Review lease language, work letters, and proposed tenant projects to protect Client's interests

Third-party delivery network

• Serve as the day-to-day coordination point for the function's third-party network, including diligence consultants, outside counsel, technical consultants, and construction monitor/owner's rep hybrids
• Design project-specific programs and protocols with external consultants to ensure appropriate owner's oversight from concept to completion
• Manage consultant schedules, deliverables, site visits, and reporting cadence, and track performance against scope and MSA requirements
• Consolidate construction monitor/owner's rep reporting for the Lead Capital Director's biweekly or monthly development oversight, flagging quality, schedule, or performance issues

Development support

• Participate in all stages of development, including structuring development agreements, validating hard and soft cost budgets, reviewing construction documents, reviewing schedules, and negotiating contracts
• Support entitlement and permitting processes by interfacing with public agencies and driving strategies to optimize project timelines and approvals

Risk management and environmental compliance

• Work with the Lead Capital Director and Asset Management/Risk Management to evaluate construction and operational risks, support insurance renewals, and develop mitigation strategies
• Respond to environmental incidents, coordinating consultants, contractors, and public agencies to drive resolution
• Consult with legal counsel and state agencies on environmental and engineering issues and changes in building codes

Strategic initiatives

• Apply and help refine standardized business plan budget updates and reporting across assigned assets
• Implement MS contract forms on assigned projects and support their broader adoption
• Apply project controls (schedules, budget forecasting, contract review) and help disseminate best practices
• Support execution of maintenance audits for building systems and use of national vendor agreements (e.g., fire sprinkler, roofing, elevator)

Technical knowledge and market networks

• Maintain continuing awareness of changes in laws to establish a proactive approach to engineering and environmental issues
• Maintain in-depth networks in key markets and understanding of local, state, and federal guidelines and building codes

Decision rights and escalation

• Own, within delegated authority: diligence coordination and file organization; first-level review of diligence documents; defensive CAPEX and renovation projects from scope through closeout; scope, budget, and contract review; change order approval within thresholds; initial draw review; day-to-day management of consultants, counsel, and owner's reps
• Escalate to the Lead Capital Director: final diligence conclusions and development diligence; PSA, JVA, and purchase price negotiations; mission-critical and high-risk CAPEX projects; heavier construction contract markups; draw exceptions and material budget variances; project and annual budget approvals, dispositions, and strategic initiatives

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or similar)
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in capital projects, construction, or engineering within commercial real estate
• Demonstrated experience reviewing engineering reports, budgets, and construction contracts
• Strong technical knowledge of building systems, construction methods, and environmental issues
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and external consultants simultaneously
• Strong analytical, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently within delegated authority while escalating appropriately

Preferred qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field, or professional licensure (PE, RA, or similar)
• Experience across multiple asset classes, including office, industrial, retail, and multifamily
• Familiarity with institutional investment management structures and reporting requirements
• Experience with development oversight, entitlements, or GMP contract review
• Knowledge of national vendor agreements and maintenance audit programs (e.g., fire sprinkler, roofing, elevator)
• Strong desire to gain exposure to real estate investment strategy and execution, and leveraging engineering and construction expertise to further those efforts

Additional information

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

Expected compensation for this position: 150,000.00 - 200,000.00 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 -New York, NY

Job Tags

Corporate Strategy Development, Processing Expense Reports, Working Independently:

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!

Benefits

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.