Director, Cost Management

JLL•Armonk, NY

5d•$150,000 - $210,000•Onsite

About The Position

As Project Controls Lead at JLL, you will be an experienced professional establishing and leading our project controls function within Project & Development Services by transforming conceptual scope briefs into comprehensive, executable project narratives with accurate cost estimates that become the foundation for successful project delivery. This role requires deep construction industry experience, strong cost estimating capabilities across multiple databases and benchmarking tools, and proven people management skills while being accountable for delivering reliable project charters and budgets that the organization is committed to executing within. You'll lead and oversee all project controls activities for the PDS portfolio, establishing standards and best practices while driving site assessments and translating high-level scope briefs into detailed, executable project narratives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or related field
10-15 years of construction industry experience with at least 5 years focused on project controls, estimating, or cost consulting
Proven track record developing accurate cost estimates for complex commercial construction and renovation projects
Deep knowledge of construction means and methods, material costs, labor productivity, and market conditions
Expertise using multiple cost databases and benchmarking tools including RS Means, JLL cost data, regional indices, and proprietary systems
Experience managing teams with demonstrated ability to develop talent and drive performance
Strong understanding of project delivery methods including design-bid-build, design-build, and construction management
Ability to conduct site assessments and translate observations into constructability analysis and cost implications
Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Proficiency in cost estimating software (OnScreen Takeoff, Bluebeam, CostX, or similar) and advanced Excel skills
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications such as CPE (Certified Professional Estimator), CCE (Certified Cost Engineer), PMP, or CCM
Experience in corporate real estate, tenant improvements, or occupied building renovations
Background in quantity surveying or cost consulting
Familiarity with BIM and model-based estimating
Experience with Procore, e-Builder, or other project management platforms
Knowledge of sustainable building practices and associated cost implications
Understanding of value engineering analysis and cost optimization strategies
Experience with cost variance analysis and lessons learned integration
Market intelligence capabilities including construction market conditions and pricing trends
Understanding of financial implications balancing cost, quality, schedule, and risk

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all project controls activities for PDS portfolio, establishing standards and best practices while driving site assessments and translating high-level scope briefs into detailed, executable project narratives
Develop comprehensive project definition frameworks that set projects up for successful execution while establishing quality control processes ensuring consistency and accuracy across all project controls deliverables
Serve as subject matter expert on constructability, sequencing, logistics, and risk identification during planning phases while partnering with project managers, clients, and stakeholders to define project requirements and success criteria
Create detailed project charters that clearly define scope, approach, phasing, schedule, budget, risks, and success metrics while conducting thorough site assessments including existing conditions documentation, infrastructure evaluation, and constraint identification
Develop accurate, defensible cost estimates that serve as committed project budgets while utilizing multiple cost databases including JLL proprietary data, RS Means, regional cost indices, and industry benchmarks
Apply appropriate cost escalation factors, geographic multipliers, and market conditions to estimates while creating detailed cost breakdowns by CSI division, trade, or other relevant cost structures
Build, lead, and mentor project controls team ensuring high performance and professional growth while establishing clear expectations, workflows, and quality standards for team deliverables
Partner closely with PDS leadership to align project controls efforts with strategic objectives and client commitments while collaborating with project managers to ensure seamless handoff from project controls to execution