Director, Cost Management

About the role

Project Controls Lead at JLL, responsible for establishing and leading the project controls function within Project & Development Services by transforming conceptual scope briefs into comprehensive, executable project narratives with accurate cost estimates that become the foundation for successful project delivery.

• Lead and oversee all project controls activities for the PDS portfolio, establishing standards and best practices while driving site assessments and translating high‑level scope briefs into detailed, executable project narratives.
• Develop comprehensive project definition frameworks that set projects up for successful execution while establishing 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 while partnering with project managers, clients, and stakeholders to define project requirements and success criteria.
• Create detailed project charters that clearly define scope, approach, phasing, schedule, budget, risks, and success metrics while conducting thorough site assessments including existing conditions documentation, infrastructure evaluation, and constraint identification.
• Develop accurate, defensible cost estimates that serve as committed project budgets while utilizing 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 while creating detailed cost breakdowns by CSI division, trade, or other relevant cost structures.
• Build, lead, and mentor the project controls team, ensuring high performance and professional growth while establishing clear expectations, workflows, and quality standards for team deliverables.
• Partner closely with PDS leadership to align project controls efforts with strategic objectives and client commitments while collaborating with project managers to ensure seamless handoff from project controls to execution.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or a 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 a 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.

• Professional certifications such as CPE, CCE, 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.
• Understanding of value engineering analysis and cost optimization strategies.
• Experience with cost variance analysis and lessons‑learned integration.
• Market intelligence capabilities including construction market conditions and pricing trends.
• Understanding of financial implications balancing cost, quality, schedule, and risk.

On‑site – Armonk, NY

Estimated compensation: $ – $ USD per year.

• 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.

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

Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please email .