Senior Cost Manager

Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.

Senior Cost Manager controlling construction budgets for JLL, a global commercial real estate and investment management company. Leading estimates, change orders, forecasting, and risk mitigation across client projects.

Posted 8/13/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $120,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in project controls and cost management, with a strong focus on delivering accurate cost estimates, managing budgets, and leading teams in various construction and renovation projects. Proficient in utilizing estimating software and analytical tools to support decision-making and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cost ManagementProject ControlsEstimating Software ExpertiseLeadership in Cost ManagementRisk Management Strategies

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Cost EstimationBudget ReconciliationValue EngineeringChange Order AssessmentRisk AnalysisBuilding Systems UnderstandingAACE Level 1–5 Cost EvaluationsArchitectural Drawings KnowledgeMarket Pricing ResearchProcurement Processes

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsOrganizational SkillsProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

Cost-XOn-Screen TakeoffExcelProjectPowerPointSharePointSmartsheet

Certifications & Qualifications

AACE CertificationRICS Certification

Industry Keywords

Construction ManagementQuantity SurveyingHealthcare ProjectsCultural ProjectsHospitality ProjectsLife Sciences ProjectsEducation ProjectsMixed-Use ProjectsRegulatory ComplianceStrategic Client Initiatives

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Deliver project controls and cost management services for office, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, life sciences, education, and mixed-use new-build and renovation projects
Prepare conceptual and detailed milestone cost estimates, feasibility studies, master planning, value engineering and design option reviews
Reconcile budgets, evaluate change orders, support project accounting, and forecast costs
Collaborate with stakeholders to establish and track project budgets
Lead projects and teams and manage client interactions
Maintain project cost control reports and track actual costs against estimated budgets
Identify and analyze risks affecting deliverables, timelines, or budgets
Prepare construction and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents
Research local market pricing for materials, labor, and equipment using published documents, historical data, and market studies
Conduct bid analysis and participate in contractor and subcontractor reconciliations
Assess change orders against the scope of base work
Develop and monitor risk mitigation strategies
Review project documentation for organizational and regulatory compliance
Monitor industry trends and best practices and contribute to strategic client initiatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or similar role
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Preference toward Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management
Ability to regularly communicate analyzed data to clients and teams
Strong working knowledge of architectural drawings and planning concepts
Highly organized with strong analytical skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with executive-level external and internal clients and external team members
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 and consensus
Ability to lead teams and interact with clients while aggregating and translating outputs into marketable deliverables
Knowledge of Cost-X, On-Screen Takeoff, or other estimating software
Professional certification in project management (AACE, RICS) preferred
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
Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities