Program Controls Lead

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. OVERVIEWThe Program Controls Lead is a senior leadership role within the Center of Excellence (COE), responsible for integrating cost controls, estimating, scheduling, forecasting, and program-level financial visibility across the portfolio. This role leads both the Cost Controls and Scheduling functions and establishes the operational rigor, governance standards, and analytical frameworks required to support predictable program delivery and long-term capital planning alignment.Reporting directly to the COE Lead, the Program Controls Lead drives consistency across estimating, schedule governance, forecasting, benchmarking, and portfolio analytics. The role partners closely with Project Delivery, Design Enablement, PMO, Innovation, and client stakeholders to improve program predictability, support financial stewardship objectives, and strengthen integration between cost, schedule, and capital planning activities.The role operates as an enterprise enablement and governance function. It provides leadership oversight, portfolio-level visibility, and strategic controls integration while supporting early-phase planning, program forecasting, and continuous improvement initiatives.Job Summary/GoalsThis role provides program-wide leadership for integrated controls functions within the COE. Key goals include:Lead and integrate the Cost Controls and Scheduling teams under a unified program controls structureEstablish and enforce program-wide controls governance, estimating standards, scheduling discipline, and forecasting methodologiesImprove cost and schedule predictability through benchmarking, analytics, and risk visibilitySupport client financial stewardship objectives through disciplined controls processes and reporting alignmentStrengthen integration between estimating, scheduling, constructability, and delivery planningSupport evolving capital planning and portfolio forecasting capabilities through program-level controls insights and analyticsProvide leadership focus on recovery planning, forecasting accuracy, process efficiency, and continuous improvementPartner closely with COE functional leaders and client stakeholders to align priorities, staffing, reporting, and operational focus areas Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProgram Controls Leadership & GovernanceOwn program-wide controls governance frameworks across estimating, scheduling, forecasting, and reportingEstablish integrated controls standards, methodologies, and performance expectations across the portfolioEnsure alignment between cost, schedule, scope, and delivery assumptions at all major program milestonesProvide leadership oversight for estimating rigor, schedule integrity, forecasting accuracy, and controls consistencyServe as the senior escalation point for program controls risks, variances, recovery concerns, and confidence gapsDrive accountability for timely, defensible, and data-driven controls outputsCost Controls & Estimating LeadershipLead program estimating functions across scoping, engineered drawing, and final pricing phasesEnsure consistent application of estimating assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, and risk documentationOversee development and validation of scoping budgets, engineered drawing budgets, and final pricing estimatesSupport bid review processes focused on pricing reasonableness, scope completeness, and benchmarking consistencyLead portfolio-level benchmarking initiatives, market intelligence tracking, and pricing trend analysisIdentify recurring cost drivers, scope gaps, and estimating accuracy trends to improve predictabilitySupport future-state change order benchmarking and unit pricing analysis initiativesScheduling & Planning LeadershipLead program scheduling governance and standards across the portfolioEstablish consistent schedule development, milestone management, reporting, and forecasting practicesEnsure alignment between schedule assumptions, procurement strategy, delivery sequencing, and cost forecastsPartner with Project Delivery and PMO teams to identify schedule risks, recovery opportunities, and resource impactsSupport integrated schedule analytics and portfolio reporting to improve program visibility and decision-makingPromote proactive planning disciplines to reduce reactive execution and improve throughput capacityForecasting, Analytics & Capital Planning SupportLead portfolio-level forecasting and controls analytics efforts across cost and schedule performanceDevelop standardized reporting and variance narratives for executive leadership and client stakeholdersMaintain program-level controls dashboards, assumption logs, and risk registersSupport long-range planning efforts through integrated controls insights and trend analysisContribute controls expertise to evolving capital planning and financial stewardship initiativesProvide early warning indicators and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making and recovery planningTeam Leadership & DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop the Cost Controls and Scheduling teamsEstablish performance expectations, workload prioritization, and quality standards across both functionsCreate development pathways and succession planning for controls team membersPromote collaboration between Estimators, Schedulers, Design, PMO, Delivery teamsEnsure staffing models and resource allocation align with program priorities and workload demandsProcess Improvement & InnovationLead controls process improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, consistency, and scalabilitySupport implementation of program controls innovation initiatives, analytics tools, and reporting enhancementsIdentify opportunities to improve integration between systems, reporting structures, and benchmarking dataPartner with leadership to evaluate future-state controls capabilities, automation opportunities, and operational improvementsSupport innovation initiatives tied to estimating processes, scheduling methodologies, and portfolio analyticsCross-Pillar COE IntegrationPartner closely with Project Delivery, PMO, Design Enablement, and Innovation teamsAlign controls processes with constructability, delivery strategy, and program execution prioritiesSupport enterprise reporting alignment and operational governance across the COEServe as a strategic partner to the COE Lead on controls operations, staffing strategy, and program performanceExperienceBachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Finance, Business, or related field10+ years of experience in construction cost controls, estimating, scheduling, or program controls leadershipDemonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary controls or program management teamsStrong understanding of integrated cost and schedule controls methodologiesExperience supporting portfolio-scale or prototype-driven programs preferredExperience with capital planning, forecasting, or enterprise program controls environments preferredKnowledge Skills and AbilitiesDeep expertise in construction estimating, scheduling, forecasting, and program controls governanceStrong leadership and organizational management capabilities Ability to integrate cost, schedule, and operational data into executive-level insights and decision support Strong analytical rigor and financial acumen· Ability to influence strategic decisions through credible, data-driven recommendations Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with both client and executive leadership teams Working knowledge of architectural and engineering drawings Proficiency with estimating and scheduling tools such as CostX, RSMeans, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, and PlanSwiftAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, reporting tools, and data analytics platformsBeneficial SkillsExperience operating within a Center of Excellence or enterprise program controls environmentExperience leading integrated cost and schedule controls functionsFamiliarity with portfolio benchmarking, capital forecasting, and financial stewardship initiativesFamiliarity with JLL PDS governance frameworks and controls standardsExperience supporting innovation, industrialized construction, or operational transformation initiativesExposure to multi-site retail, restaurant, or prototype rollout programs preferredThis position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.Expected compensation for this position:150,000.00 – 190,000.00 USD per yearFinal compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.Location:Remote –Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Miami, FL, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PAIf 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 include:401(k) plan with matching company contributionsComprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision CarePaid parental leave at 100% of salary Paid Time Off and Company HolidaysEarly access to earned wages through Daily PayAt 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 NoticeJones 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 onlyIf 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.SummaryLocation: Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Miami, FLType: Full time