Optimization Lead - HR Operations

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.

Optimization Lead – HR Operations

Role Summary

The Optimization Lead – HR Operations is a senior individual contributor responsible for driving continuous improvement, process standardization, and operational excellence across the full spectrum of HR functions. Sitting within the broader HR Operations organization, this role supports four global service centers — Manila, Dalian, Gurugram, and Warsaw — partnering with HR leaders, operational teams, and technology stakeholders to identify inefficiencies, design scalable solutions, and lead high-impact projects that enhance the employee and candidate experience.

Key Responsibilities

Process Improvement & Optimization

• Lead end-to-end process improvement initiatives across HR Operations, applying Lean, Six Sigma, and structured project management methodologies.
• Conduct root cause analyses, process mapping, and gap assessments to identify optimization opportunities across HR functions.
• Define, measure, and track KPIs and SLAs to monitor operational performance and improvement outcomes.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), playbooks, and documentation to ensure consistency and scalability.

Project Management

• Manage multiple concurrent projects from initiation through implementation, ensuring on-time delivery and stakeholder alignment.
• Build project charters, workplans, and risk registers; facilitate steering committee and working group sessions.
• Partner cross-functionally with HR sub-functions (Payroll, Rewards, HR Admin, Careers, L&D, Onboarding) and across all four service centers to drive integrated solutions.

AI & Technology Enablement

• Identify and implement AI-powered tools, automation, and digital solutions to streamline HR operational workflows.
• Collaborate with HR technology teams to optimize the use of platforms such as Workday, and evaluate emerging tools for operational fit.
• Document and catalog AI use cases, translating them into measurable business outcomes for stakeholder communication.

Operations Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a subject matter expert and internal consultant on operational best practices across HR facets.
• Prepare executive-ready reports, dashboards, and presentations that communicate insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support change management activities to embed new processes and ensure adoption across HR teams.
• Collaborate with service center leads across Manila, Dalian, Gurugram, and Warsaw to align local practices with broader HR Operations transformation priorities.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Master’s degree is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Process Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Project Management, with at least 3 years in an HR or HR Operations context.
• Demonstrated track record leading complex, cross-functional improvement initiatives from diagnosis through sustained implementation.
• Hands-on experience across multiple HR facets, including any combination of: Payroll, Rewards & Compensation, HR Administration, Careers/Talent Management, Learning & Development (L&D), and Onboarding.
• Proven experience leveraging AI tools, automation platforms, or HR technology to deliver measurable operational improvements.

Certifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt is a plus.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification preferred.
• Lean certification or equivalent process excellence credential is an advantage.

Core Competencies

Technical Competencies

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

Process Mapping & Root Cause Analysis

Stakeholder Management & Influence

Six Sigma / Lean Methodology

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving

Project & Program Management

Change Leadership & Adoption

Data Analysis & Reporting

Cross-functional Collaboration

HR Technology & AI Enablement

Communication & Presentation Skills

SOP Development & Documentation

Continuous Improvement Mindset

What Success Looks Like

• Measurable reduction in process cycle times and operational costs within the first 12 months.
• At least two fully documented and deployed improvement initiatives per quarter, with quantified business impact.
• Adoption of AI-assisted workflows and automation tools that reduce manual effort across HR Operations.
• Recognized as a trusted advisor by HR sub-function leaders and service center teams across Manila, Dalian, Gurugram, and Warsaw.
• Consistent on-time, on-scope delivery of all project commitments.

Location:

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

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.

JLL Privacy Notice

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.

For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement.

For additional details please see our career site pages for each country.

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.