Senior Cost Manager, MEP Construction

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with matching company

Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Daily Pay accelerated earnings

Job summary

JLL seeks a Senior Cost Manager, Project Controls in Minneapolis on-site to deliver cost management services across diverse sectors. You will lead teams, develop conceptual and detailed cost estimates, and conduct feasibility studies while tracking budgets and risks.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in cost management, a related Bachelor’s degree, and strong skills in cost software, Excel, and project controls. Visa sponsorship is not provided; compensation is market-competitive.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or similar role.
• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management preferred.
• Ability to communicate analyzed data to clients and teams to achieve project goals.
• Strong knowledge of architectural drawings and planning concepts.
• Highly organized with strong analytical skills and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience presenting cost evaluations and leading teams with client interaction.
• 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 documents.
• Analyze local market pricing for materials, labor, and equipment and perform market studies.
• Provide value engineering and bid analysis, coordinate with contractors and subs.
• Review change orders and support change management within scope.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor implementation with stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory standards, stay current on industry trends.

Skills

Cost management

Estimating software

Project controls

Budgeting

Stakeholder communication

Leadership

Risk analysis

Team coordination

Client interactions

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related

Tools

Cost-X

On-Screen Takeoff

Excel

Project

PowerPoint

SharePoint

Smartsheet

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.

Job Description

What this job involves:

As a Senior Cost Manager, Project Controls at JLL, you will be responsible for delivering controls and cost management services to various assigned clients and 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 while collaborating with stakeholders to establish and track project budgets. This senior-level role requires leading projects and teams while maintaining project cost control reports, tracking actual costs against estimated budgets, and identifying and analyzing potential risks that may impact project deliverables, timelines, or budgets.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Partner with team members to execute complex projects through all stages while leading project teams and client interactions
• Prepare 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 conducting 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
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor their implementation while coordinating with project stakeholders to gather data
• Review and analyze project documentation to ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory standards
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices related to project controls while contributing to strategic client initiatives

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ 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
• Ability to lead teams and interact with clients while aggregating and translating outputs into marketable deliverables

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
• Leadership experience in cost management and project controls
• Understanding of value engineering principles and risk management strategies

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

Expected compensation for this position: 140,000.00 - 150,000.00 USD per year. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location: On-site - Minneapolis, MN

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.

• 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

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.

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 WAYS. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.