FULLY REMOTE Cost Estimator

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. 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.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 accuracyBudget 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 assumptionsProject 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 assessmentsCross-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 teamsProcess 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 ModuleSound 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 fieldPreferred 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 regionsThis position does not provide visa sponsorship. Location:Remote -Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CAIf this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth: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. 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. 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. 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.Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.Chicago, ILType: Full time