Cost Manager, Construction

About the Role

As a Cost Manager at JLL, you will deliver estimating and cost‑management services to a diverse portfolio of clients, covering office, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, life‑science, education, and mixed‑use projects. Your work will span both new‑build and renovation initiatives, providing conceptual and detailed milestone cost estimates, feasibility studies, master‑planning, value‑engineering reviews, budget reconciliations, change‑order evaluations, project accounting, and forecasting. In your day‑to‑day role you will partner with team members to execute complex projects from conceptual design through final construction documents, preparing accurate construction cost estimates and market‑based pricing for materials, labor, and equipment. You will provide value‑engineering services, review change orders, assess scope compliance, identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and coordinate with stakeholders to deliver timely project status updates while staying current on industry trends and best practices. • Prepare detailed construction cost estimates from conceptual design through final documents. • Develop conceptual and detailed milestone cost estimates, feasibility studies, and master‑planning analyses. • Conduct value‑engineering studies and design option reviews, providing bid analyses and contractor reconciliations. • Review change orders, assess scope compliance, and support change‑management processes. • Identify project risks, analyze potential impacts, and devise mitigation strategies. • Coordinate with stakeholders to gather data and deliver timely project status updates. • Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of local market pricing for materials, labor, and equipment. • Generate AACE level 1‑5 cost evaluations and benchmark against industry standards. • Utilize estimating software such as Cost‑X or On‑Screen Takeoff and advanced Excel for data analysis. • Apply strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills to communicate data to clients and teams.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸cost estimating
• ▸value engineering
• ▸change orders
• ▸risk analysis
• ▸estimating software
• ▸stakeholder updates

What You Bring

Required qualifications include at least two years of experience as an estimator or cost manager, a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, architecture, engineering, or construction management, and the ability to communicate analyzed data effectively to clients and internal teams. Candidates must possess strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills, a solid understanding of architectural drawings, and proficiency in estimating software and AACE level 1‑5 cost evaluations. Preferred qualifications feature knowledge of Cost‑X, On‑Screen Takeoff, or similar estimating tools, professional certifications such as AACE or RICS, and advanced proficiency in Excel, Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Smartsheet. An expert understanding of building systems (MEPFS and architectural), familiarity with procurement and tendering processes, and a solid grasp of value‑engineering principles are also valued. The position does not provide visa sponsorship and is open to candidates authorized to work in the United States. Compensation is estimated between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on qualifications, location, and market conditions, with the role based on‑site in Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; or Dallas, TX. • Possess a bachelor's degree in quantity surveying, architecture, engineering, or construction management. • Hold professional certifications (AACE, RICS) and expertise in building systems (MEPFS and architectural). • Demonstrate proficiency in Excel, Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Smartsheet. • Understand procurement, tendering processes, and value‑engineering principles.

Requirements

• ▸bachelors
• ▸aace
• ▸excel
• ▸cost‑x
• ▸mepfs
• ▸2+ years

Benefits

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way by combining world‑class services, advisory, and technology for clients worldwide. The company is committed to hiring talented people and providing an inclusive environment where individuals can thrive and grow meaningful careers. JLL offers a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits that prioritize mental, physical, and emotional health, including a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid parental leave at 100% salary, paid time off and company holidays, and early access to earned wages through Daily Pay. • Benefit from a salary range of $60k‑$90k, 401(k) matching, comprehensive health coverage, paid parental leave, PTO, and early wage access.

Work Environment

Office Full-Time