Principal Automation Manager

JLL supports the Whole You, personally and professionally.

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology to our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people in our industry; and we support them through professional growth, flexibility, and personalized benefits to manage life in and outside of work. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades, and technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, we empower you to shape a brighter way forward so you can thrive professionally and personally.

Principal Automation Manager - JLL

What this job involves: We are seeking an Principal Automation Manager to lead a team of Senior Automation Managers and Automation Managers in supporting and optimizing automation control systems across JLL-managed facilities. This role blends technical leadership, strategic program management, and team development to drive equipment reliability, enhance safety, and maximize operational performance.

You will work with advanced material handling equipment — including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply systems, robotics, and SCADA platforms — while driving continuous improvement initiatives and cross-site collaboration. Safety, operational excellence, and mentoring future technical leaders will be central to your success.

What your day-to-day will look like: Lead the site and network-level automation program, serving as the primary technical and program leader.

Manage a team of automation managers to drive success within the network.

Set program goals, define priorities, and manage Automation Managers to meet client objectives and safety requirements.

Provide subject matter expertise (SME) for troubleshooting complex control system issues, leading root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions to reduce downtime.

Design, develop, implement, and optimize control systems and automation software, including PLC/PC controllers, SCADA/OEE platforms, and industrial networks.

Oversee change management processes and maintain complete, accurate automation documentation for compliance and reliability.

Partner with operations, automation, vendors, and client stakeholders to deliver automation projects and drive system optimization.

Develop and execute training plans, mentoring Automation Managers, Apprentices, and site-level technicians to expand technical capability across the network.

Monitor system KPIs, analyze performance metrics, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve uptime, throughput, and safety.

Champion JLL’s safety culture to ensure compliance with existing safety rules and procedures.

Provide escalation support for controls-related downtime, coordinating with local, remote, and vendor resources to restore system functionality quickly.

Participate in a 24/7 rotational on-call support schedule for automation hardware and software systems.

Travel up to 25% to support other JLL-managed client sites as needed.

Requiered Qualifications: 7+ years of experience with PLC-controlled automation, including Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Codesys Ladder Logic and structured programming.

7+ years troubleshooting and optimizing industrial controls, robotics, motor controls, and automated equipment.

Proven leadership experience directing, training, and mentoring automation teams.

Strong understanding of industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus) and SCADA/OEE platforms.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple teams and levels.

Expected to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays when required, 40 hours plus per week as needed.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent.

5+ years of leadership experience managing automation programs across multiple sites.

Proficiency in programming tools such as RSLogix5000 Studio, FT View, FactoryTalk, and other advanced control platforms.

Experience designing and implementing HMI systems, motor control solutions (VFDs, servo drives, DC drives), and high-speed sortation equipment.

Strong background in robotics integration, field service, and technical training programs.

Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent continuous improvement certification.

At JLL, we work together to create a brighter future for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Our collaborative culture—locally and globally—drives innovative solutions. We value wellbeing, inclusivity, and belonging, ensuring every team member feels supported. JLL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

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

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.

About JLL –

We’re JLL—a leading professional services and investment management firm specializing in real estate. We have operations in over 80 countries and a workforce of over 102,000 individuals around the world who help real estate owners, occupiers and investors achieve their business ambitions. As a global Fortune 500 company, we also have an inherent responsibility to drive sustainability and corporate social responsibility. That’s why we’re committed to our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world. We’re using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people, and our communities.

Our core values of teamwork, ethics and excellence are also fundamental to everything we do and we’re honored to be recognized with awards for our success by organizations both globally and locally.

Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where we all feel welcomed, valued and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are today and where we’re headed in the future. And we know that unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation and succeed together.