Critical Environments Operations Supervisor

JLL · Chicago · $107,100–$125,000 (stated in the posting)

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Job Title: US Critical Environments Operations

Job Summary

The US Critical Environments Operations Supervisor provides direct operational support to the US Critical Environments Operations Manager and assists in managing mission-critical engineering services across a designated client’s critical environments. This role serves as a critical link between critical environments field operations and critical environments management, ensuring 24/7/365 reliability of critical infrastructure systems including UPS, generators, HVAC, power distribution, and building automation systems. The Operations Supervisor coordinates daily activities across data centers, trading floors, LAN rooms, disaster recovery space, and other critical environments while supporting vendor management and developing the technical and leadership capabilities necessary to advance into the Operations Manager role. This position requires hands-on engagement with critical environments operations teams while building strategic oversight skills to ensure 100% uptime, infrastructure reliability, cost efficiency, and superior client satisfaction in high-availability environments.

Job Responsibilities

1. Critical Operations Support

• Assist CE Operations Manager in managing critical engineering operations across assigned facilities
• Coordinate with JLL CE Management Leads, client Critical Environments Team, and engineering/operations teams to maintain 100% infrastructure availability
• Monitor and respond immediately to critical facility alarms, incidents, and infrastructure issues
• Support implementation and daily execution of 100% uptime Critical Environment Management program reflecting all client requirements and industry best practices
• Ensure readiness and successful execution of JLL Client Assurance Program (JCAP) Audits for critical environments
• Track and report on critical KPIs including uptime percentage, mean time between failures (MTBF), mean time to repair (MTTR), and critical load reliability
• Maintain awareness of critical load requirements and N+1 or 2N redundancy configurations

2. Critical Systems Maintenance Coordination

• Oversee daily execution of preventive and predictive maintenance on critical systems (UPS, generators, PDUs, CRAC/CRAH units, electrical distribution, fire suppression)
• Ensure strict adherence to CMMS, MCIM Asset management system, Corrigo, and critical environment work order protocols
• Proactively identify and eliminate single points of failure and risks to critical infrastructure
• Provide technical guidance to Chief Engineers and critical environments staff on complex systems troubleshooting
• Support 5+ year capital budget forecasting for critical infrastructure replacement and upgrades
• Assist with Coordinating with Strategic Sourcing on critical vendor contracts, OEM service agreements, and emergency response contracts
• Lead participation in root cause analysis for any critical incidents, near-misses, or infrastructure anomalies
• Ensure all critical maintenance activities follow change management protocols and minimize risk to live environments
• Assist to Identify and implement energy efficiency opportunities within critical cooling and power systems without compromising reliability

3. Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and provide day-to-day direction to Chief Engineers, Asst Chiefs and Critical Environments Engineers operating in mission-critical environments
• Build effective working relationships with on-site critical operations teams, remote monitoring centers, and emergency response personnel
• Schedule and prioritize critical maintenance windows, vendor activities, and emergency response with zero unplanned downtime
• Foster culture of precision, accountability, and calm under pressure required for critical environment operations
• Assist CE Operations Manager with performance management of critical environments engineering staff

4. Environmental Health and Safety in Critical Environments

• Support EHS professional and CE Operations Manager in maintaining comprehensive safety program specific to critical environments
• Ensure all personnel are trained and qualified for energized electrical work, arc flash protocols, and hot work in critical spaces
• Enforce strict adherence to Safe Work practices for energized work up to 480V, working at heights on equipment platforms, and confined space entry in electrical/mechanical rooms
• Monitor vendor pre-qualification for critical systems work and verify proper safety certifications
• Conduct safety risk assessments before all maintenance activities in live critical environments
• Maintain lockout/tagout (LOTO) program compliance and equipment isolation procedures
• Promote safety-first culture while maintaining operational urgency in critical situations

5. Training & Critical Skills Development

• Complete advanced training in critical infrastructure systems including data center operations, electrical power distribution, and cooling systems
• Assist in training critical facilities staff on emergency procedures, system redundancy, and failover protocols
• Support development and delivery of critical environment standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Participate in tabletop exercises and emergency response drills
• Pursue industry certifications (CDCP, CDCE, CMRP, or equivalent) aligned with career progression to CE Operations Manager role
• Contribute to critical environment best practices documentation and lessons learned

6. Customer Service & Critical Environment Accountability

• Recognize that client operations depend on uninterrupted infrastructure availability
• Maintain professional, competent interaction with client critical environments stakeholders and IT leadership
• Support client satisfaction through zero-defect service delivery and transparent communication
• Provide timely incident reporting, root cause analysis summaries, and corrective action documentation
• Conduct all activities with understanding that critical environment failures have significant business impact
• Respond immediately to critical client concerns with appropriate urgency and technical expertise

Education and Experience

• Vocational degree program in electrical systems, HVAC/refrigeration, or critical facilities management
• Comparable work experience in mission-critical environments

• Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology or related field
• Minimum 3 years direct supervision of critical facilities operations with 24/7 responsibility

Years of relevant experience

• 7 years trade experience in critical environments (data centers, telecom facilities, hospitals, trading floors, or similar)
• 3 years engineering/supervisory experience in critical facilities

• 10 years trade experience in critical/mission-critical environments
• 5 years critical facilities engineering/supervisory experience

Skills and knowledge

• Applicable codes, laws and regulations (NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 75, TIA-942, Uptime Institute standards)
• Critical infrastructure systems architecture and redundancy configurations (N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1)
• Critical load management and power quality requirements
• UPS systems, battery plants, and emergency power generation
• Precision cooling systems (CRAC, CRAH, in-row, rear-door heat exchangers)
• Electrical distribution systems including switchgear, PDUs, RPPs, and branch circuits
• Building Management Systems (BMS) and Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) platforms

Other abilities

• Deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire suppression systems specific to critical/mission-critical facilities
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex critical systems under time pressure
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple critical priorities simultaneously
• Ability to make sound decisions quickly during infrastructure incidents or emergencies
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical staff and executive-level client personnel
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently during off-hours incidents and collaboratively during planned activities
• Ability to read and interpret single-line electrical diagrams, mechanical P&IDs, and critical systems documentation
• Proficiency with CMMS, MCIM, BMS platforms and Microsoft Office applications
• Understanding of change management protocols and maintenance windows in 24/7 environments
• Ability to remain calm and methodical during critical incidents and system failures

Certifications/licenses

• Valid state driver's license
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry certification
• NFPA 70E Qualified Person certification for energized electrical work

• Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP) or similar
• Certified Data Center Expert (CDCE)
• Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)
• Building Operator Certification (BOC) Level II
• Universal EPA 608 Refrigerant Certification

Physical work requirements and work conditions

• Ability to bend, sit, kneel, squat, stand, reach and lay as required to access critical equipment components in confined spaces and elevated platforms
• Ability to work in high-noise environments (generator rooms, mechanical spaces)
• Ability to work exposed to temperature extremes in mechanical and electrical rooms
• Availability for 24/7 on-call rotation and emergency response
• Ability to respond to critical incidents within specified timeframes (typically 1-2 hours)
• Regular travel to multiple critical facility locations within assigned region
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays during planned maintenance windows

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

Expected compensation for this position:

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

Location:

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.

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.

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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 HRSCLeaves@jll.com. 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.

Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.

Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.

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.

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