Project Cost Manager

JLL•Jersey City, NJ

3d•$80,000 - $100,000•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a Cost Manager to support the delivery of construction and workplace projects by developing, managing, and analyzing project budgets across multiple project phases. In this role, you will apply local market expertise, benchmark data, and project scope analysis to provide accurate cost guidance that supports informed decision-making and successful project delivery. Working closely with clients, project teams, contractors, and stakeholders, you will help drive financial accountability while supporting a collaborative environment focused on performance excellence and client satisfaction. At JLL, we are collectively shaping a brighter way — for our clients, ourselves and our fellow employees — and this role plays an important part in delivering innovative, efficient, and value-driven project outcomes. What sets JLL apart is our culture of collaboration, locally and across the globe, where teams work together to strengthen project delivery and create meaningful impact for clients.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Finance, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
Experience managing construction costs, budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting for commercial real estate or workplace projects.
Working knowledge of construction estimating, cost control methodologies, contract administration, and change management processes.
Experience using project management and financial platforms such as PMWeb, Spend-App, Adaptive Works, or similar systems.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret project scopes, benchmark pricing, and financial data accurately.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams and client organizations.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other standard business software applications.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification such as CCP, MRICS, PMP, or similar industry credential.
Experience supporting corporate workplace, office renovation, relocation, or facilities management projects.
Familiarity with client project controls processes and capital project governance structures.
Knowledge of local construction market pricing, labor rates, and procurement practices.
Experience supporting value engineering initiatives and process improvement efforts.
Ability to work effectively in highly collaborative environments and contribute to a culture of inclusivity and belonging.
Experience building and maintaining historical cost benchmark databases and reporting tools.
Interest in innovative project delivery approaches and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with JLL’s commitment to more innovative ways of working.

Responsibilities

Develop and review construction cost budgets across multiple project phases, including feasibility studies, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, office renovations, furniture projects, and workplace relocations.
Analyze project scopes, quantities, and benchmark pricing to validate budgets, identify cost efficiencies, and support value engineering initiatives.
Create and execute contracts based on approved project scopes while monitoring contractor unit pricing and labor rates throughout the project lifecycle.
Support project forecasting activities and maintain accurate project financial data within PMWeb, Spend-App, and Adaptive Works platforms.
Perform estimating, funding submissions, payment applications, change requests, budget updates, project closeouts, and contract updates across multiple project management systems.
Coordinate closely with client project controls teams, project managers, facilities managers, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors to review project costs and maintain alignment with project objectives.
Support the development of project review board materials, sustainment planning activities, and historical cost benchmark databases for future project planning.
Participate in weekly and bi-weekly meetings with client stakeholders and internal JLL teams to review budgets, monitor project performance, and resolve cost-related issues.
Identify opportunities to improve cost controls, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery while contributing to a culture where everyone is empowered to thrive.