Cost Manager, MEP Construction

JLL; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with matching companyCon

Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision

Paid parental leave at 100% of salary

Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

Early access to earned wages through

Job summary

JLL in Houston, TX is seeking a Cost Manager to deliver estimating and cost management services across office, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, life sciences, education, and mixed-use projects, including new builds and renovations. You will prepare concept and detailed estimates, feasibility studies, VE and design option reviews, and budget reconciliations.

You will review scope, track budgets, generate cost reports, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure complete, accurate cost data and

Qualifications

• 2+ years as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or similar role.
• Bachelor's degree from accredited institution (preference towards Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management).
• Ability to regularly communicate analyzed data to client and team to achieve project goals.
• Strong working knowledge of architectural drawings and planning concepts.
• Highly organized with strong analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to interact with executive level external and internal clients as well as external team members.
• Ability to generate AACE level 1-5 cost evaluations with capability of working conceptually and qualifying unknowns.
• Expertise in estimating software and benchmarking tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively, independently, and through ambiguity to create structure and consensus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with team members to execute complex projects through all stages while preparing detailed and accurate construction cost and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents
• Understand and relay local market pricing for material, labor, and equipment using published documents, historical data, and performing market studies
• Provide value engineering services and design option reviews while preparing bid analysis and participating in reconciliations with contractors and subcontractors
• Review change orders and support change management assessing whether changes are within scope of base work
• Identify and analyze potential risks that may impact project deliverables, timelines, or budgets while developing risk mitigation strategies
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to gather data and provide accurate and timely project status updates
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices related to project controls while collaborating with project teams to implement lessons learned

Skills

Cost estimation

Budgeting

Stakeholder communication

MEPFS understanding

Estimating software

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Cost-X

On-Screen Takeoff

Excel

Project

PowerPoint

SharePoint

Smartsheet

Job description

Job Description

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.

What this job involves:

As a Cost Manager at JLL, you will be responsible for delivering estimating and cost management services to various assigned clients across diverse industries including office, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, life sciences, education, and mixed‑use projects involving both new build and renovation projects. Your services will include conceptual and detailed milestone cost estimates, feasibility studies, master planning, VE & design option reviews, budget reconciliations, Change Order evaluations, project accounting, and forecasting. This role requires collaborating with stakeholders to establish and track project budgets while maintaining project cost control reports and tracking actual costs against estimated budgets. You’ll assist in reviewing and assessing all scope of works for stakeholders to ensure appropriate descriptions and detail are given with no gaps in work and all costs accounted for.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Partner with team members to execute complex projects through all stages while preparing detailed and accurate construction cost and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents




• Understand and relay local market pricing for material, labor, and equipment using published documents, historical data, and performing market studies




• Provide value engineering services and design option reviews while preparing bid analysis and participating in reconciliations with contractors and subcontractors




• Review change orders and support change management assessing whether changes are within scope of base work




• Identify and analyze potential risks that may impact project deliverables, timelines, or budgets while developing risk mitigation strategies




• Coordinate with project stakeholders to gather data and provide accurate and timely project status updates




• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices related to project controls while collaborating with project teams to implement lessons learned

Required Qualifications:

• 2+ years as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or similar role




• Bachelor's degree from accredited institution (preference towards Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management)




• Ability to regularly communicate analyzed data to client and team to achieve project goals




• Strong working knowledge of architectural drawings and planning concepts




• Highly organized with strong analytical skills




• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to interact with executive level external and internal clients as well as external team members




• Ability to generate AACE level 1-5 cost evaluations with capability of working conceptually and qualifying unknowns




• Expertise in estimating software and benchmarking tools




• Ability to work collaboratively, independently, and through ambiguity to create structure and consensus

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Cost‑X, On‑Screen Takeoff, or other estimating software




• Professional certification in project management (AACE, RICS)




• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities




• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously




• Intermediate to Expert level in Excel, Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Smartsheet




• Expert understanding of building systems (MEPFS and architectural)




• Familiarity with procurement and tendering processes




• Understanding of value engineering principles and design optimization

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Estimated compensation for this position:

100,000.00 - 120,000.00 USD per year

This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location:

On-site -Houston, TX

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions




• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care




• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary




• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays




• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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