VP, Cost Management

JLL•Poughkeepsie, NY

23h•$145,000 - $210,000•Onsite

About The Position

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward. We are seeking an experienced Project Controls Lead to establish and lead our project controls function within Project & Development Services. This role requires a seasoned professional who can transform conceptual scope briefs into comprehensive, executable project narratives with accurate cost estimates that become the foundation for successful project delivery. The successful candidate will have deep construction industry experience, strong cost estimating capabilities across multiple databases and benchmarking tools, and proven people management skills. This leader will be accountable for delivering reliable project charters and budgets that the organization is committed to executing within.

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

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

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all project controls activities for the PDS portfolio, establishing standards and best practices
Drive site assessments and translate high-level scope briefs into detailed, executable project narratives
Develop comprehensive project definition frameworks that set projects up for successful execution
Establish 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
Partner 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
Conduct thorough site assessments including existing conditions documentation, infrastructure evaluation, and constraint identification
Develop project execution strategies considering building operations, occupancy impacts, phasing requirements, and logistical challenges
Define roles and responsibilities, governance structures, and communication protocols for project delivery
Identify and document project risks, assumptions, and dependencies with mitigation strategies
Produce clear, professional deliverables that provide clients and project teams with comprehensive project roadmaps
Develop accurate, defensible cost estimates that serve as committed project budgets
Utilize 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
Create detailed cost breakdowns by CSI division, trade, or other relevant cost structures
Perform value engineering analysis identifying cost optimization opportunities without compromising quality or function
Validate estimates through subcontractor outreach, historical project data analysis, and peer review
Present and defend cost estimates to clients, leadership, and project stakeholders with supporting rationale
Continuously refine cost models based on actual project outcomes and lessons learned
Maintain current knowledge of construction market conditions, labor availability, material costs, and pricing trends
Build and maintain relationships with trade contractors and suppliers to inform cost estimating
Research and integrate industry-standard cost benchmarking tools and databases
Develop internal cost libraries based on completed project data and regional experience
Analyze cost variances between estimates and actual results to improve estimating accuracy
Stay informed on emerging construction methods, technologies, and innovations that impact project costs
Build, lead, and mentor a project controls team ensuring high performance and professional growth
Establish clear expectations, workflows, and quality standards for team deliverables
Provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities to team members
Manage workload distribution and resource allocation across the project controls pipeline
Conduct performance evaluations and support career development planning
Foster a collaborative culture that values accuracy, innovation, and continuous improvement
Partner closely with PDS leadership to align project controls efforts with strategic objectives and client commitments
Collaborate with project managers to ensure seamless handoff from project controls to execution
Work with design teams, consultants, and architects to develop constructable, cost-effective solutions
Engage with clients to understand priorities, constraints, and budget parameters
Coordinate with building operations, facility management, and engineering teams on site logistics and execution feasibility
Interface with finance teams on budget tracking, forecasting, and financial reporting
Implement and maintain cost estimating software, databases, and analytical tools
Develop templates, standards, and guidelines for project charters and cost estimates
Create training materials and resources to support team capability building
Identify and implement technology solutions that enhance project controls efficiency and accuracy
Establish metrics and reporting to track project controls performance and estimate reliability