Senior Cost Manager

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.

What this job involves:

As a Senior Estimator, Project Controls at JLL, you will be responsible for delivering controls and cost management services to various assigned clients and industries including office, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, life sciences, education, and mixed-use projects involving both new build and renovation projects. Your services will include conceptual and detailed milestone cost estimates, feasibility studies, master planning, VE & design option reviews, budget reconciliations, Change Order evaluations, project accounting, and forecasting while collaborating with stakeholders to establish and track project budgets. This senior-level role requires leading projects and teams while maintaining project cost control reports, tracking actual costs against estimated budgets, and identifying and analyzing potential risks that may impact project deliverables, timelines, or budgets.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Partner with team members to execute complex projects through all stages while leading project teams and client interactions
• Prepare detailed and accurate construction cost and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents
• Understand and relay local market pricing for material, labor, and equipment using published documents, historical data, and performing market studies
• Provide value engineering services and design option reviews while conducting bid analysis and participating in reconciliations with contractors and subcontractors
• Review change orders and support change management assessing whether changes are within scope of base work
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor their implementation while coordinating with project stakeholders to gather data
• Review and analyze project documentation to ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory standards
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices related to project controls while contributing to strategic client initiatives

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or similar role
• Bachelor's degree from accredited institution (preference towards Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management)
• Ability to regularly communicate analyzed data to client and team to achieve project goals
• Strong working knowledge of architectural drawings and planning concepts
• Highly organized with strong analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to interact with executive level external and internal clients as well as external team members
• Ability to generate AACE level 1-5 cost evaluations with capability of working conceptually and qualifying unknowns
• Expertise in estimating software and benchmarking tools
• Ability to work collaboratively, independently, and through ambiguity to create structure and consensus
• Ability to lead teams and interact with clients while aggregating and translating outputs into marketable deliverables

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Cost-X, On-Screen Takeoff, or other estimating software
• Professional certification in project management (AACE, RICS)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Intermediate to Expert level in Excel, Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Smartsheet
• Expert understanding of building systems (MEPFS and architectural)
• Familiarity with procurement and tendering processes
• Leadership experience in cost management and project controls
• Understanding of value engineering principles and risk management strategies

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Estimated compensation for this position:

120,000.00 – 155,000.00 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:

On-site –Chicago, IL

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.

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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 Show email . 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.

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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.

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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.