Director, Cost Management

US AMR-Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching company

Medical, Dental & Vision

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off

Daily Pay

Job summary

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) is seeking a Director of Cost Management in New York to lead project controls across multiple large-scale engagements. You will prepare detailed cost estimates, manage risks, and drive value engineering while mentoring a team.

The role emphasizes strategic client service, fiduciary accountability, and industry leadership. The position requires a senior background in construction cost management, strong communication, and the ability to navigate fast-paced environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Ability to generate AACE level 1–5 cost evaluations; skilled in estimating software.
• Conceptual knowledge of project cost management.
• Demonstrated competence in performing structured work assignments.
• Ability to receive instruction, guidance, and direction from more senior-level roles.
• Aggregates and translates outputs into marketable deliverables (e.g. Case Studies, White Papers and quarterly metrics).

Responsibilities

• Lead project controls for engagements, including multiple projects and large-scale work.
• Partner with team members to execute complex projects through all stages.
• Present to key stakeholders across the project team.
• Prepare detailed and accurate construction cost estimates from concept to construction documents.
• Assess local market pricing for material, labor, and equipment using data and studies.
• Provide value engineering services and design option reviews.
• Identify and analyze risks impacting deliverables, timelines, or budgets.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor implementation.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to gather data and provide status updates.
• Prepare bid analyses and reconcile with contractors/subcontractors.
• Generate project progress reports for internal/external stakeholders.
• Conduct periodic audits to identify deviations from control processes.
• Review change orders and support change management within scope.
• Share lessons learned and best practices across project teams.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in project controls.
• Apply SME knowledge to support global community of practice.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Analytical skills

Risk management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

PM certification (AACE/RICS)

Tools

Cost-X

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

Director, Cost Management

Full Time

New York, NY 10170

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 peopleand empowering them tothrive, 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.

Position Overview:

The Director of Project Controls is a senior leadership role responsible, critical in managing andcontrolling project schedules, budgets, and risks throughout the project lifecycle. This role requires a proactive approach, extensive experience in project management, specifically in the area of controls, and a track record ofsuccessfully implementing strong analytical skills, attention to detail, strong communication skills and theability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. It is essential that this person has extensiveknowledge of construction techniques/technology and real estate markets

What This Job Involves:

• Successfully performs leadership responsibilities, communication skills and relationship management.
• Contribute to identifying and attracting top talent.
• Management and strategy of one or more programs and/or complex projects and their Operations.
• Mentor, develop and oversee team members and/or direct report(s), and serve as Team Lead.
• Serve as Team Lead for complex projects, responsible for the successful implementation, as well as innovation of new concepts and ideas to enhance and improve service quality.
• Accountable for client service on their projects and the projects of their team and/or direct report(s) with ability to navigate difficult and complex conversations.
• Maintain and develop client relationships by being accountable for managing fiduciary responsibilities for JLL and client.
• Accountable for the successful development and implementation of P&l team strategy, aligning with the strategy of the PDS business.
• Accountable for the development and implementation of best practices that enhance the Firm’s capabilities.
• Attends and/or member of local and regional industry conferences to influence reputation and public image of business and personal brand.
• Source new and cultivate existing client and business relationships, lead or support the pursuit strategy and secure new business.
• Advanced SME level of knowledge on industry specific requirements and their impact to design and construction of work.
• Obtain and maintain industry recognized credentials and/or certifications.
• Represent JLL in industry specific events, conferences and media as a content contributor.
• Effectively manage client and on-account teams’ expectations and instils confidence with clear, concise, and proactive communication.
• Effectively communicate to and engage with PDS leads, knows when to engage and/or elevate.
• Stays informed on changes to the PDS processes, systems and reporting and contributes to strategic client initiatives.
• Adherence to the revenue generation requirements of the PDS business according to your role.
• Travel requirement: approximately 25% though this may fluctuate both up and down.

What Your Day-to-Day Will Look Like:

• Lead project controls for engagements. This will include multiple projects at one time and large scale complex projects.
• Partner with team members to execute complex projects through all stages.
• Present to key stakeholders across the project team.
• Prepare detailed and accurate construction cost and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents.
• Understand and be able to 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.
• Identify and analyse potential risks that may impact project deliverables, timelines, or budgets.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor their implementation.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to gather data and provide accurate and timely project status updates.
• Prepare bid analysis and participate in reconciliations with contractors and subcontractors.
• Generate project progress reports and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct periodic project audits to identify any deviations from established project control processes.
• Review change order reviews and support change management, assessing whether changes are within the scope of the base work.
• Collaborate with project teams to implement lessons learned and best practices on future projects.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices related to project controls.
• Apply subject matter expertise to support the global community of practice.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Preference towards Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Aggregates and translates outputs into marketable deliverables (e.g. Case Studies, White Papers and quarterly metrics.)
• Ability to generate AACE level 1-5 cost evaluations; capable of working conceptually and qualifying unknowns; expertise in estimating software and benchmarking tools
• Conceptual knowledge of theories, practices, and procedures within project cost management.
• Demonstrated competence in performing structured work assignments.
• Ability to use existing procedures to solve routine or standard problems.
• Ability to receive instruction, guidance, and direction from more senior-level roles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years as an Estimator, Cost Manager or similar role.
• Knowledge of Cost-X, On-Screen Takeoff or other estimating software.
• Professional certification in project management (e.g., AACE, RICS).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with procurement and tendering processes.

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

Estimated compensation for this position: 170,000.00 – 220,000.00 USD per year

Location:

On-site – Dallas, TX, New York, NY, Phoenix, AZ, Stamford, CT

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

• 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

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