Senior Cost Manager | Lead Real Estate Project Controls

JLL; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with matching company

Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

Daily Pay

Job summary

JLL is seeking a Senior Cost Manager in Chicago to lead cost control activities for diverse projects including office, cultural, hospitality, and healthcare facilities. You will prepare estimates from concept through documents, manage budgets, and work with stakeholders to mitigate risks.

The role requires 5+ years of cost management experience, strong communication skills, and expertise in estimating software and market pricing. On-site work in Chicago is expected.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Estimator/Cost Manager or similar role.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Ability to communicate analyzed data to client and team.
• Strong knowledge of architectural drawings and planning concepts.
• Excellent organization and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for executive interactions.
• Experience generating AACE level 1-5 cost evaluations.
• Proficiency in estimating software and benchmarking tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and teams while maintaining cost control reports.
• Prepare detailed construction cost estimates from concept to final documents.
• Understand and relay local market pricing for material, labor, and equipment.
• Provide value engineering and design option reviews; conduct bid analysis.
• Review change orders and support change management.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Review and analyze project documentation for compliance with standards.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and strategic client initiatives.

Skills

Cost management

Leadership

Client communication

Risk analysis

Project cost control

AACE cost evaluations

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Quantity Surveying/Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management)

Tools

Cost-X

On-Screen Takeoff

Estimating software

Job description

JLL is seeking a Senior Cost Manager in Chicago to lead cost control activities for diverse projects including office, cultural, hospitality, and healthcare facilities. You will prepare estimates from concept through documents, manage budgets, and work with stakeholders to mitigate risks.

The role requires 5+ years of cost management experience, strong communication skills, and expertise in estimating software and market pricing. On-site work in Chicago is expected.