Senior Cost Manager

JLL•Armonk, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

JLL is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to lead pre-construction activities for a client's headquarters campuses in the Mid-Hudson Valley, NY. This role involves conducting site assessments, developing detailed project scopes and narratives, and creating accurate cost estimates using regional and global cost databases. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of construction markets, local building practices, regulatory requirements, and cost structures. This individual will collaborate with regional project teams, clients, and the Director of Cost Management to ensure consistent, high-quality pre-construction deliverables across the region.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
7-10 years of construction industry experience with significant focus on pre-construction, estimating, or cost management.
Proven experience developing cost estimates and project scopes for commercial construction projects in New York region.
Deep knowledge of construction practices, material costs, and labor markets in New York region.
Experience using cost databases, benchmarking tools, and regional pricing indices.
Proficiency in cost estimating software and advanced Microsoft Excel.
Willingness and ability to travel via car to client sites in New York area.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in corporate real estate, tenant improvements, or occupied building renovations.
Knowledge of international project delivery including cross-border considerations.
Familiarity with multiple currency management and financial implications.
Understanding of import/export regulations and customs processes affecting construction materials.
Professional certifications in estimating, project management, or construction management.
Experience with JLL or similar multinational corporate real estate services firms.

Responsibilities

Lead all pre-construction activities for PDS projects across New York.
Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies at project locations throughout the region.
Transform conceptual scope briefs into comprehensive, executable project narratives tailored to local market conditions.
Develop detailed project charters defining scope, approach, phasing, schedule, budget, risks, and execution strategies.
Ensure all pre-construction deliverables account for regional considerations including local regulations, building codes, permitting requirements, and construction practices.
Travel regularly to project sites in New York region to assess conditions and support project development.
Develop accurate, detailed cost estimates for projects across New York region.
Utilize multiple cost databases including JLL global cost data, regional pricing indices, local market intelligence, and country-specific benchmarks.
Apply appropriate currency considerations, inflation factors, tax implications, and local cost structures.
Build and maintain regional cost libraries based on completed projects and local subcontractor pricing.
Account for import duties, material availability, labor market conditions, and logistics costs unique to each city.
Validate estimates through local subcontractor engagement and regional market research.
Present cost estimates with clear assumptions, risk factors, and market condition considerations.
Adjust estimating methodologies to reflect differences between markets (e.g., NYC vs. Poughkeepsie).
Maintain deep understanding of construction market conditions across New York region.
Monitor material costs, labor availability, currency fluctuations, and economic factors impacting construction pricing.
Build relationships with local contractors, suppliers, and industry professionals throughout the region.
Stay current on regulatory changes, permitting processes, and compliance requirements across jurisdictions.
Understand regional construction delivery methods, contracting practices, and industry standards.
Identify country-specific risks including political stability, supply chain constraints, and economic volatility.
Partner with regional project managers to ensure seamless transition from pre-construction to project execution.
Work closely with clients to understand requirements, budget parameters, and local business considerations.
Collaborate with design teams and local consultants on constructability and cost optimization.
Coordinate with local facility management and building engineering teams on execution feasibility.
Report regularly to Pre-Construction Leader on regional activities, challenges, and opportunities.
Apply global PDS pre-construction standards while adapting to regional requirements and practices.
Ensure consistent quality and format of project charters and cost estimates across all projects.
Implement feedback and lessons learned to continuously improve regional pre-construction processes.
Maintain documentation standards enabling clear communication across language and cultural differences.
Contribute to development of regional best practices and estimating guidelines.