Senior Cost Manager, MEP Construction

JLL • Minneapolis, CO

7h • $140,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Cost Manager, Project Controls at JLL, you will deliver cost control and cost management services to assigned clients across industries including office, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, life sciences, education, and mixed-use. Projects include new construction and renovations. Services include conceptual and detailed milestone cost estimates, feasibility studies, master planning, value engineering and design option reviews, budget reconciliations, change order evaluations, project accounting, and forecasting. You will collaborate with stakeholders to establish and track budgets, lead projects and teams, maintain cost control reports, compare actual costs with estimated budgets, and identify and analyze risks that could affect deliverables, schedules, or budgets. The position is on-site in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and does not provide visa sponsorship; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Expected compensation is $140,000–$150,000 per year. Final compensation depends on factors including qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or in a similar role.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; preference for Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Ability to communicate analyzed data regularly to clients and teams to achieve project goals.
• Strong working knowledge of architectural drawings and planning concepts.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with executive-level internal and external clients and external team members.
• Ability to generate AACE Level 1–5 cost evaluations, work conceptually, and qualify unknowns.
• Expertise in estimating software and benchmarking tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently, navigate ambiguity, and create structure and consensus.
• Ability to lead teams and interact with clients while aggregating and translating outputs into marketable deliverables.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Cost-X, On-Screen Takeoff, or other estimating software.
• Professional project management certification, such as AACE or RICS.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Intermediate to expert proficiency in Excel, Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Smartsheet.
• Expert understanding of MEPFS and architectural building systems.
• Familiarity with procurement and tendering processes.
• Leadership experience in cost management and project controls.
• Understanding of value engineering principles and risk management strategies.

Responsibilities

• Partner with team members to execute complex projects through all stages, leading project teams and client interactions.
• Prepare construction and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents.
• Assess and communicate local market pricing for materials, labor, and equipment using published documents, historical data, and market studies.
• Provide value engineering and design option reviews; conduct bid analyses and participate in reconciliations with contractors and subcontractors.
• Review change orders and support change management by assessing whether changes are within the scope of base work.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies, monitor their implementation, and coordinate with stakeholders to gather data.
• Review and analyze project documentation for compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Maintain project cost control reports, track actual costs against estimated budgets, and identify and analyze project risks.
• Stay current with project controls trends and best practices and contribute to strategic client initiatives.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care.
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay.
• Supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior