Pre-Construction Estimator

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.
What this job involves

The Pre-construction Estimator for Industrial Manufacturing supports the early planning, budgeting, and analytical phases of large‑scale industrial, manufacturing, and process‑driven facility projects. This role develops accurate and defensible cost estimates, evaluates complex technical scopes, collaborates with engineering teams, and ensures that budgets align with client expectations, operational requirements, and manufacturing timelines.

Industrial projects often include specialized equipment, process utilities, structural modifications, automation systems, and high‑tolerance construction. This position plays a key role in identifying cost drivers, assessing constructability, and supporting strategic decision‑making to position projects for success before construction begins.

The Estimator ensures consistency, clarity, and quality throughout all preconstruction deliverables and drives alignment between engineering, operations, project management, and external partners.

Your day‑to‑day responsibilities

Develop detailed cost estimates for industrial manufacturing projects, including building systems, structural work, process piping, electrical distribution, specialty utilities, equipment installation, and facility infrastructure.

Perform precise material and quantity takeoffs using estimating tools and validated cost databases tailored to industrial environments.

Review engineering drawings, P&IDs, equipment layouts, specifications, and design narratives to understand manufacturing and process requirements.

Coordinate with internal and external engineering teams to clarify technical details, process flow impacts, and scope alignment.

Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals, ensuring alignment with manufacturing‑specific scope elements and technical requirements.

Analyze market conditions, fabrication lead times, and labor availability specific to industrial trades and advanced manufacturing.

Support value engineering workshops, identifying cost‑saving alternatives related to building systems, process utilities, material selections, and construction sequencing.

Participate in constructability reviews, providing insight into installation challenges, equipment access, shutdown impacts, and safety considerations.

Maintain detailed estimate documentation, cost assumptions, equipment allowances, clarifications, and exclusions.

Update budgets continuously as design evolves and provide cost impact assessments for scope changes or operational constraints.

Support scheduling teams with cost‑loaded schedules and phasing strategies, including plant shutdowns, tie‑ins, and commissioning windows.

Provide benchmarking and cost modeling for new production lines, capacity expansions, and facility retrofit projects.

Partner with Project Managers to develop client presentations, budget narratives, procurement strategies, and decision‑support documentation.

Ensure smooth handoff to construction teams by preparing complete preconstruction packages including final estimates, bid comparisons, equipment lists, and design clarifications.

Continuously identify opportunities to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and…