Director, Cost Management

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated; Town of Florida (NY); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with matching company

Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off

Daily Pay

Job summary

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated is seeking a Director of Project Controls to oversee project schedules, budgets, and risk management for large-scale real estate and construction programs. The role requires proactive leadership, strong communication, and extensive experience in controls within fast-paced environments.

The position focuses on developing risk mitigation strategies, leading a team of analysts, and delivering accurate cost estimates from concept through final construction documents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management).
• Ability to generate AACE cost evaluations across levels 1–5; capable of conceptual work.
• Experience with estimating software and benchmarking tools.
• Conceptual knowledge of project cost management and standard practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead project controls for engagements, including multiple large-scale projects.
• Partner with team members to execute complex projects through all stages.
• Present to key stakeholders across the project team.
• Prepare detailed construction cost estimates from concept to construction documents.
• Relate local market pricing for materials, labor, and equipment using data and market studies.
• Provide value engineering and option reviews; identify and mitigate risks.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to provide status updates and bid analyses.
• Generate project progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Share lessons learned and drive best practices across projects.

Skills

Project management

Cost control

Risk management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CM/Engineering

Tools

Cost-X

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

Position Overview

The Director of Project Controls is a senior leadership role responsible, critical in managing and controlling 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 of successfully implementing strong analytical skills, attention to detail, strong communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. It is essential that this person has extensive knowledge 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: 160,000.00 – 185,000.00 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 –West Palm Beach, FL

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.

Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at [e-mail]. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL. Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment. Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest. Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job‑related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. California Residents only If you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information. If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device. Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.

At JLL, we give you the opportunity, knowledge and tools to own your success, because we value what makes each of us unique. We help our people thrive, grow meaningful careers and find a place where they belong. Together, we strive to be exceptional and shape a better world. For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with operations in over 80 countries around the world, our employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.