VP, Cost Management

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Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Controls Lead to establish and lead our project controls function within Project & Development Services. This role requires a seasoned professional who can transform conceptual scope briefs into comprehensive, executable project narratives with accurate cost estimates that become the foundation for successful project delivery. The successful candidate will have deep construction industry experience, strong cost estimating capabilities across multiple databases and benchmarking tools, and proven people management skills. This leader will be accountable for delivering reliable project charters and budgets that the organization is committed to executing within.

Key Responsibilities

Project Controls Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and oversee all project controls activities for the PDS portfolio, establishing standards and best practices
• Drive site assessments and translate high-level scope briefs into detailed, executable project narratives
• Develop comprehensive project definition frameworks that set projects up for successful execution
• Establish quality control processes ensuring consistency and accuracy across all project controls deliverables
• Serve as subject matter expert on constructability, sequencing, logistics, and risk identification during planning phases
• Partner with project managers, clients, and stakeholders to define project requirements and success criteria

Project Charter Development

• Create detailed project charters that clearly define scope, approach, phasing, schedule, budget, risks, and success metrics
• Conduct thorough site assessments including existing conditions documentation, infrastructure evaluation, and constraint identification
• Develop project execution strategies considering building operations, occupancy impacts, phasing requirements, and logistical challenges
• Define roles and responsibilities, governance structures, and communication protocols for project delivery
• Identify and document project risks, assumptions, and dependencies with mitigation strategies
• Produce clear, professional deliverables that provide clients and project teams with comprehensive project roadmaps

Cost Estimating & Budget Development

• Develop accurate, defensible cost estimates that serve as committed project budgets
• Utilize multiple cost databases including JLL proprietary data, RS Means, regional cost indices, and industry benchmarks
• Apply appropriate cost escalation factors, geographic multipliers, and market conditions to estimates
• Create detailed cost breakdowns by CSI division, trade, or other relevant cost structures
• Perform value engineering analysis identifying cost optimization opportunities without compromising quality or function
• Validate estimates through subcontractor outreach, historical project data analysis, and peer review
• Present and defend cost estimates to clients, leadership, and project stakeholders with supporting rationale
• Continuously refine cost models based on actual project outcomes and lessons learned

Market Intelligence & Benchmarking

• Maintain current knowledge of construction market conditions, labor availability, material costs, and pricing trends
• Build and maintain relationships with trade contractors and suppliers to inform cost estimating
• Research and integrate industry-standard cost benchmarking tools and databases
• Develop internal cost libraries based on completed project data and regional experience
• Analyze cost variances between estimates and actual results to improve estimating accuracy
• Stay informed on emerging construction methods, technologies, and innovations that impact project costs

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and mentor a project controls team ensuring high performance and professional growth
• Establish clear expectations, workflows, and quality standards for team deliverables
• Provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities to team members
• Manage workload distribution and resource allocation across the project controls pipeline
• Conduct performance evaluations and support career development planning
• Foster a collaborative culture that values accuracy, innovation, and continuous improvement

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner closely with PDS leadership to align project controls efforts with strategic objectives and client commitments
• Collaborate with project managers to ensure seamless handoff from project controls to execution
• Work with design teams, consultants, and architects to develop constructable, cost-effective solutions
• Engage with clients to understand priorities, constraints, and budget parameters
• Coordinate with building operations, facility management, and engineering teams on site logistics and execution feasibility
• Interface with finance teams on budget tracking, forecasting, and financial reporting

Process & Tools Management

• Implement and maintain cost estimating software, databases, and analytical tools
• Develop templates, standards, and guidelines for project charters and cost estimates
• Create training materials and resources to support team capability building
• Identify and implement technology solutions that enhance project controls efficiency and accuracy
• Establish metrics and reporting to track project controls performance and estimate reliability

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or related field
• 10-15 years of construction industry experience with at least 5 years focused on project controls, estimating, or cost consulting
• Proven track record developing accurate cost estimates for complex commercial construction and renovation projects
• Deep knowledge of construction means and methods, material costs, labor productivity, and market conditions
• Expertise using multiple cost databases and benchmarking tools including RS Means, JLL cost data, regional indices, and proprietary systems
• Experience managing teams with demonstrated ability to develop talent and drive performance
• Strong understanding of project delivery methods including design-bid-build, design-build, and construction management
• Ability to conduct site assessments and translate observations into constructability analysis and cost implications
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Proficiency in cost estimating software (OnScreen Takeoff, Bluebeam, CostX, or similar) and advanced Excel skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as CPE (Certified Professional Estimator), CCE (Certified Cost Engineer), PMP, or CCM
• Experience in corporate real estate, tenant improvements, or occupied building renovations
• Background in quantity surveying or cost consulting
• Familiarity with BIM and model-based estimating
• Experience with Procore, e-Builder, or other project management platforms
• Knowledge of sustainable building practices and associated cost implications

Key Competencies

• Technical Expertise:Deep construction knowledge enabling accurate cost analysis and constructability assessment
• Analytical Rigor:Methodical approach to data analysis, cost validation, and risk evaluation
• Attention to Detail:Thoroughness in site assessments, cost breakdowns, and documentation
• Accountability:Takes ownership of estimate accuracy knowing budgets become delivery commitments
• Leadership:Builds high-performing teams and drives consistent quality standards
• Communication:Clearly articulates complex cost analysis and project narratives to diverse audiences
• Business Acumen:Understands financial implications and balances cost, quality, schedule, and risk
• Problem Solving:Identifies creative solutions to constructability and budget challenges
• Collaboration:Works effectively across functions and builds strong stakeholder relationships
• Market Awareness:Stays current on industry trends, pricing dynamics, and emerging practices

Success Metrics

• Estimate accuracy with minimal variance between project controls budgets and final project costs
• Timely delivery of high-quality project charters and cost estimates that enable confident decision-making
• Successful project execution within project controls budgets
• Team development with improved capabilities and consistent deliverable quality
• Positive client and project manager feedback on project controls deliverables and support
• Continuous improvement in estimating methodologies and cost database utilization

Physical Requirements

• Ability to conduct regular site visits requiring walking, climbing stairs, and navigating existing buildings and construction areas
• Capability to review existing conditions, take measurements, and document site characteristics
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed

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

Estimated compensation for this position:

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:

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all the requirements. We're interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

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'repursuing.

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