He started working at the professional level at the age of 35, initially with Camacha and Chaves, before winning promotion to the Primeira Liga with Beira-Mar in 2009–10.

Born in Barcelona, Venezuela to Portuguese parents who had settled in the country, Jardim returned to Portugal at a very young age, relocating to the island of Madeira.

[8][9] He led the Minho club to third place in his only season – posting a record of 15 consecutive league wins in the process[10]– but left after a disagreement with the president.

[11] On 5 June 2012, Jardim agreed to join Olympiacos of Super League Greece on a two-year contract, replacing Ernesto Valverde.

[27] On 11 October 2018, following a poor start to the season which included two losses in as many Champions League group stage matches,[28][29] Jardim was sacked.

[43] Jardim returned to the Emirati top division on 8 November 2024, taking over from the dismissed Hernán Crespo at Al Ain on a contract until the end of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

[45] Jardim switched clubs and countries again on 4 February 2025, being named head coach of Campeonato Brasileiro Série A's Cruzeiro.