Why hire a project manager?

A PM serves as the first line of defense against potential setbacks. Every project has a certain amount of risk, but should a problem threaten to derail a project, a good PM has a clear plan to resolve it or, at least, mitigate critical impacts.  

Risk mitigation in project management is about finding and solving problems. It's not just about pointing out issues, but also making smart plans to overcome difficulties. And project managers use specialized tools and technology to handle this process smoothly.

These tools have set processes and templates that guide the project in the right direction. This helps PMs make smart, data-driven decisions using up-to-date information. The data is all in one place, making it easy to track how well the project is doing in real-time. This way, tasks get done on time and the budget stays on track.

A PM's commitment to quality is the driving force behind successful outcomes. Managing a project to achieve the best results goes beyond merely fulfilling project requirements. It involves navigating complex challenges, anticipating potential obstacles and delivering outcomes that align with initial goals while surpassing expectations. But quality control isn’t only about meeting client standards, it’s also about having a finished product that meets pre-established benchmarks. A good PM takes a proactive approach every step of the way, with continuous quality checks to identify and address issues before they become unmanageable. 

The PM's work is still ongoing when the project is successfully completed. A final evaluation of the project's quality journey is crucial. Did the project meet all the technical performance criteria and conditions of satisfaction? Did it meet the client's program requirements? A final quality review provides valuable insights for future projects and helps to refine quality control processes even further.

Sustainable practices in workplace projects are no longer optional but essential. A skilled project manager can embed sustainability into every phase of your project to ensure the use of eco-friendly materials, implement energy-efficient designs and advocate for waste reduction practices. By incorporating green building standards and certifications like LEED, a PM can significantly lower your project's environmental footprint and, ultimately, result in long-term cost savings due to reduced energy and resource consumption.

Achieving two-star Fitwel certification and reducing carbon emissions

Webcor, a major commercial construction company in California, needed to redesign its offices to meet its sustainability goals. They engaged JLL’s project management services early to pursue two-star Fitwel® certification and prioritize employee health. JLL identified the need for fleet electrification due to high carbon emissions from the light-duty truck fleet and achieved the rest of these goals without extra expenses to the budget.

An expert PM knows that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. They roll up their sleeves, tailoring their strategy to meet each client's specific needs and wants. With their finger on the pulse, they quickly adjust the project's size as it needs change, ensuring it always hits the mark. Their skills bring value far beyond the immediate fiscal outcomes as they improve time efficiency, cost management and risk reduction. Hiring a project manager isn't simply a position to fill; it's an investment in your company's lasting success.

Learn more about how JLL can take real estate challenges from complexity to clarity here.