Our Women of Defence: Kristine Dennis

At JLL, we know that strengthening Australia’s defence and national security capabilities requires a strong, cohesive support team. This is something Kristine Dennis has prioritised ever since becoming a team leader for our partnership with the Department of Defence.

Kristine has made a significant impact by focusing on relationship-building, leading three highly critical Defence projects for JLL within six months of commencing her role as ACT Defence state lead. Her phenomenal start resulted in her being recognised with a JLL Ovation Award for Outstanding Mentoring and Leadership.

Kristine has been responsible for an increase team performance. She has elevated our ACT Defence team by developing their skills and knowledge in project management. Through instigating weekly team training sessions, Kristine focused on developing skills such as establishing positive and strong client relationships, understanding phases of projects, working to effective timelines, and identifying project risks and mitigations.

The success of these initiatives enabled the region to achieve all internal targets for the first time and strengthen client relationships, including with senior Defence personnel, leading the team to achieve handover takeover (HOTO) completion for 12 complex legacy projects.

Kristine has a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. She showcased this by initiating a collaboration with JLL’s sustainability manager, the Directorate of Estate Works Program Office (DEWPO) and Directorate of Living Service (DLS) to share and understand how an 80% recycling target set for a project at the Canberra naval base HMAS Harman was surpassed, reaching nearly 100%. The project aligned with the Green Star credit of ‘Responsible Construction Practices’ from the Green Building Council of Australia.

Kristine has also been involved in design projects incorporating NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Ratings System) and 5-star Green Star ratings. This includes designing solar passive and all-electric facilities that incorporate electric vehicle charging. A focus for these projects has been procuring from local industries to enhance Defence’s commitment to support regional communities.

Cognisant that project management rarely happens without disruption, Kristine has developed strategies at JLL for clear and decisive communication, implementing them on national priority projects for the ACT Defence Team. When working with Defence, it is vital that all information is accurate and solutions-driven – a proven capability of Kristine’s even when managing multiple stakeholders such as internal and external consultants, sustainability experts, media and high-profile Defence personnel.

Since joining JLL in 2018, Kristine has consistently led with purpose, encouraged teamwork, and fostered inclusiveness. She takes pride in her team being comprised of a majority of females and looks forward to continuing to champion other women in Defence at JLL.