PDS Estimator

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. Role Summary: The Capital Planning Estimator is responsible for developing accurate project schedule and financial estimates during the pre-migration phase of capital projects, serving as a critical link between Capital Planning and Project Delivery teams. This role ensures financial viability of projects through detailed cost modeling, timeline forecasting, and risk assessment before projects are approved for execution. The Estimator will also support Project Managers in developing robust budget requests and navigating approval processes once projects transition to the delivery phase. Reporting to the Capital Planning Director, this position will be instrumental in establishing estimation standards, enhancing financial accuracy, and improving the overall predictability of capital projects from conception through delivery. Key Responsibilities: Pre-Migration Estimation · Develop comprehensive cost estimates and project schedules for capital projects prior to governance approval · Analyze project scope documents to identify cost drivers, potential risks, and resource requirements · Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and apply appropriate cost factors based on project location, complexity, and market conditions · Create multi-scenario financial models to support decision-making during the capital planning process · Validate preliminary estimates from stakeholders and refine assumptions to ensure accuracy Budget Development & Standardization · Establish and maintain standardized estimation templates and tools to ensure consistency across the capital planning portfolio · Develop historical cost databases and benchmarks to improve estimation accuracy over time · Perform cost-benefit analyses and value engineering recommendations during the due diligence phase · Create project phasing strategies that align with budget cycles and operational constraints · Document estimation methodology and maintain an audit trail of cost assumptions Project Delivery Support · Partner with Project Managers to prepare and defend budget requests/approvals during the delivery phase · Develop clear documentation packages that substantiate budget adjustments and change orders · Conduct variance analyses between estimated and actual costs to continuously improve estimation accuracy · Support the change management process by providing financial impact assessments of scope modifications · Assist in developing contingency recommendations based on risk assessments Cross-Functional Collaboration · Work closely with Capital Planning Managers to enhance financial components of project intake and due diligence · Collaborate with the Global Engineering Center to incorporate technical specifications into cost estimates · Partner with Transaction and Sustainability teams to quantify financial implications of strategic initiatives · Provide estimation expertise during Capital Plan Governance Meetings to inform decision-making · Serve as a financial liaison between Capital Planning and Project Delivery teams Process Improvement · Identify opportunities to streamline estimation processes through technology and best practice implementation · Develop KPIs to measure estimation accuracy and drive continuous improvement · Lead training sessions on estimation methodologies for stakeholders across the organization · Stay current on market conditions and industry trends that impact project costs and timelines · Contribute to the development of estimation functionality within the AdaptiveWork Capital Planning Module Sound like you? To apply you need to have: · 5+ years of experience in construction estimation, cost management, or quantity surveying, preferably in commercial real estate · Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, materials, and industry standards · Proficiency in estimation software and financial modeling tools · Experience developing project schedules and identifying critical path dependencies · Demonstrated ability to analyze construction documents and extract relevant cost information · Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy · Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to diverse stakeholders · Knowledge of capital planning processes and project governance frameworks · Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field Preferred Qualifications: · Professional certification such as Certified Cost Estimator/Professional (CCE/P), Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), or similar credential · Experience working with integrated capital planning systems and financial management platforms · Understanding of lifecycle costing and total cost of ownership principles · Knowledge of sustainable building practices and their cost implications · Experience supporting capital projects in multiple geographic regions This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Estimated compensation for this position: 100,000.00 – 140,000.00 USD per year This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations. Location: Remote –Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA 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 may 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. 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. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. California Residents only If you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information. If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device. 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. Activate your Personal Job Alerts now and receive opportunities as soon as they are advertised. If you're a current JLL employee, please apply using the Internal Career Site At JLL, we give you the opportunity, knowledge and tools to own your success, because we value what makes each of us unique. We help our people thrive, grow meaningful careers and find a place where they belong. Together, we strive to be exceptional and shape a better world. For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with operations in over 80 countries around the world, our employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.