Technical Due Diligence Lead

JLL • Chicago, IL

6d • Remote

About The Position

The Lead of Preconstruction turns project briefs into signable business proposals and construction-ready packages. The role leads estimating, bid packaging, and constructability from pursuit through award, ensuring projects are priced, scoped, and fundable before construction. It also manages one or two preconstruction managers and requires a strong MEP cost estimating or engineering background.

The position is remote, with locations listed in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and San Francisco. It does not provide visa sponsorship; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until a candidate is identified.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in commercial preconstruction, estimating, or bid packaging on lump-sum and GMP work.
• Hands-on estimating experience and the ability to maintain basis-of-estimate files through handoff.
• Proven vendor coverage practices, including site walks, RFIs, comparable scopes, and avoiding single-source surprises on bid day.
• Ability to write exclusions, assumptions, and procurement plans that withstand compliance review.
• Experience building critical-path bid schedules and work-package structures that a Construction Manager can inherit.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong MEP cost estimating or engineering background.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship; visa sponsorship is not provided.

Nice To Haves

• PMP or equivalent project management certification.
• Direct experience with estimating take-off technology and construction management technology.
• Target Value Design experience with an architectured cost model.
• Comfort with mission-critical, workplace, or landlord-controlled interiors, infrastructure, and sitework projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop estimates, bid templates, and detailed take-offs using estimating and take-off technology.
• Lead vendor strategy with the Project Manager, including sharing documents, scheduling site walks, issuing RFIs and clarifications, and collecting and leveling bids.
• Assemble complete proposal packages covering scope, procurement, exclusions and assumptions, safety and logistics, critical-path schedules, lump-sum versus GMP recommendations, resources, design and permitting, commissioning, equipment and move lists, and finishes.
• Support Target Value Design and translate construction documents into formal bid packages, scopes of work, and bid-form structures.
• Provide commercial backup and client-ready deliverables for Go/No-Go and compliance reviews.
• Hand off the baseline to the Construction Manager at Move-to-Construction, including scopes, vendor coverage, long-lead items, exclusions, and schedule assumptions.
• Remain available after handoff to resolve re-buy or missed-scope questions.
• Manage one or two preconstruction managers.

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 focused on mental, physical, and emotional health.

What This Job Offers

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