Senior Estimator & Project Controls Lead

National Black MBA Association; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL in Chicago is seeking a Senior Estimator, Project Controls to deliver controls and cost management services across project types including office, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, and more. You will lead projects and teams, develop budgets, track costs, and analyze risks to protect project deliverables and schedules.

Responsibilities include preparing estimates from concept to documents, conducting market analyses, and providing VE and option reviews while coordinating with contractors and

Qualifications

• 5+ years as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or similar role.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (QS, 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 executive-level interactions.
• Ability to generate AACE level 1-5 cost evaluations and qualify unknowns.
• Expertise in estimating software and benchmarking tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively, independently, and through ambiguity to create structure.
• Ability to lead teams and translate outputs into marketable deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams and client interactions across complex projects.
• Prepare detailed construction cost and project cost estimates from concept to documents.
• Relay local market pricing for materials, labor, and equipment using sources and market studies.
• Provide value engineering and design option reviews, bid analysis, and reconciliations.
• Review change orders and support change management within scope of base work.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Stay updated on industry trends and contribute to client initiatives.

Skills

5+ years experience

Strong analytical skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Leadership experience

Communication of data

Ability to lead teams

Collaborative working

Market knowledge of costs

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Cost‑X

On‑Screen Takeoff

Job description

JLL in Chicago is seeking a Senior Estimator, Project Controls to deliver controls and cost management services across project types including office, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, and more. You will lead projects and teams, develop budgets, track costs, and analyze risks to protect project deliverables and schedules.

Responsibilities include preparing estimates from concept to documents, conducting market analyses, and providing VE and option reviews while coordinating with contractors and