Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated

PDS Estimator

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated$100K — $140K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in construction estimation or related field, ideally in commercial real estate
  • Strong technical knowledge of construction methods and materials
  • Proficiency with estimation software and financial modeling tools
  • Demonstrated ability in analyzing construction documents for cost information
  • Excellent communication skills for explaining financial concepts to varied stakeholders
  • Knowledge of capital planning processes and project governance frameworks
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Responsibilities

  • Develop detailed cost estimates and project schedules pre-governance approval
  • Analyze project scope to identify cost drivers and risks
  • Create financial models supporting capital planning decisions
  • Establish standardized estimation tools to ensure consistency
  • Prepare documentation for budget requests and manage change orders
  • Conduct variance analyses to improve estimation processes
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement in estimation practices

Benefits

  • 401(k) plan with matching 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
Full Job Description
Role Summary:

The Capital Planning Estimator is responsible for developing accurate project schedule and financial estimates during the pre-migration phase of capital projects, serving as a critical link between Capital Planning and Project Delivery teams. This role ensures financial viability of projects through detailed cost modeling, timeline forecasting, and risk assessment before projects are approved for execution. The Estimator will also support Project Managers in developing robust budget requests and navigating approval processes once projects transition to the delivery phase.

Reporting to the Capital Planning Director, this position will be instrumental in establishing estimation standards, enhancing financial accuracy, and improving the overall predictability of capital projects from conception through delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Migration Estimation
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates and project schedules for capital projects prior to governance approval
• Analyze project scope documents to identify cost drivers, potential risks, and resource requirements
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and apply appropriate cost factors based on project location, complexity, and market conditions
• Create multi-scenario financial models to support decision-making during the capital planning process
• Validate preliminary estimates from stakeholders and refine assumptions to ensure accuracy

Budget Development & Standardization
• Establish and maintain standardized estimation templates and tools to ensure consistency across the capital planning portfolio
• Develop historical cost databases and benchmarks to improve estimation accuracy over time
• Perform cost-benefit analyses and value engineering recommendations during the due diligence phase
• Create project phasing strategies that align with budget cycles and operational constraints
• Document estimation methodology and maintain an audit trail of cost assumptions

Project Delivery Support
• Partner with Project Managers to prepare and defend budget requests/approvals during the delivery phase
• Develop clear documentation packages that substantiate budget adjustments and change orders
• Conduct variance analyses between estimated and actual costs to continuously improve estimation accuracy
• Support the change management process by providing financial impact assessments of scope modifications
• Assist in developing contingency recommendations based on risk assessments

Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Capital Planning Managers to enhance financial components of project intake and due diligence
• Collaborate with the Global Engineering Center to incorporate technical specifications into cost estimates
• Partner with Transaction and Sustainability teams to quantify financial implications of strategic initiatives
• Provide estimation expertise during Capital Plan Governance Meetings to inform decision-making
• Serve as a financial liaison between Capital Planning and Project Delivery teams

Process Improvement
• Identify opportunities to streamline estimation processes through technology and best practice implementation
• Develop KPIs to measure estimation accuracy and drive continuous improvement
• Lead training sessions on estimation methodologies for stakeholders across the organization
• Stay current on market conditions and industry trends that impact project costs and timelines
• Contribute to the development of estimation functionality within the AdaptiveWork Capital Planning Module

Sound like you? To apply you need to have:
• 5+ years of experience in construction estimation, cost management, or quantity surveying, preferably in commercial real estate
• Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, materials, and industry standards
• Proficiency in estimation software and financial modeling tools
• Experience developing project schedules and identifying critical path dependencies
• Demonstrated ability to analyze construction documents and extract relevant cost information
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to diverse stakeholders
• Knowledge of capital planning processes and project governance frameworks
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field

Preferred Qualifications:
• Professional certification such as Certified Cost Estimator/Professional (CCE/P), Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), or similar credential
• Experience working with integrated capital planning systems and financial management platforms
• Understanding of lifecycle costing and total cost of ownership principles
• Knowledge of sustainable building practices and their cost implications
• Experience supporting capital projects in multiple geographic regions

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

Estimated compensation for this position:

100,000.00 - 140,000.00 USD per year

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:

Remote -Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA

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're pursuing.

Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.

About Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated

Jones Lang LaSalle is a financial and professional services firm that specializes in commercial real estate services and investment management. Its services include: tenant representation for organizations that lease office, industrial and retail spaces; consulting, which supports companies to develop workplace strategies such as occupancy planning, relocations, and energy and environmental sustainability initiatives; project and development services to manage ground-up creation, building construction, and major interior renovations; capital markets and real estate investment banking, which helps organizations buy and sell properties, and improve the financial impact of their real estate; facilities management for a variety of properties including office towers, retail and exhibition centers, and government, collegiate and industrial complexes; property management services, that provide on-site administration to help owners of office, industrial, retail and specialty properties reduce costs and enhance their property values; and valuations that provide impartial assessments of real estate worth through more than 200 corporate offices in 70 countries. Jones Lang LaSalle was formed by the merger of Jones Lang Wootton, a British firm with origins dating back to 1783, and LaSalle Partners, an American company formed from a predecessor launched in 1968. Jones Lang Wootton opened its first US office in New York in 1975. In 1997, the initial public offering was completed by LaSalle Partners for the company's common stock in the market.

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated Careers

Join the dynamic team at Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL), a global leader in real estate services, where your career journey is just as important as the professional milestones you aim to achieve. At JLL, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for growth, innovation, and leadership in an industry that shapes the world around us.

Work You’ll Do

At JLL, you will be part of a culture that prizes diversity, teamwork, and forward-thinking. Whether you are looking for a full-time position or an internship, JLL offers a variety of roles that cater to your professional skills and personal development goals. Our team is composed of the brightest minds in real estate, providing you with unparalleled mentorship and networking opportunities that foster career advancement.

Innovate and Lead

Embrace the opportunity to lead projects that redefine the real estate landscape, leveraging JLL’s global scale and deep industry expertise. Our commitment to innovation is evident in every strategy we implement and every building we manage. By joining our team, you will collaborate with professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and push the boundaries of what is possible in real estate.

Professional Growth and Development

JLL is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees. We offer robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, to ensure you are equipped for success. Our benefits extend beyond the basics, encompassing health, wellness, and financial planning to support you and your family at all stages of life.

Explore Job Opportunities

JLL is continuously expanding, and we are hiring across multiple disciplines. Explore positions that match your skills and interests in areas such as property management, sustainability, financial analysis, and more. We look for driven, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to make an impact.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a JLL internship. Gain hands-on experience, build your resume, and make invaluable industry connections. Our internships provide a deep dive into the real estate sector, allowing you to apply academic learning to real-world challenges.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated? Search open positions, read about our employment benefits, and prepare your resume. The interview process at JLL not only assesses your fit for the company but also ensures our culture aligns with your career aspirations.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from JLL Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Receive personalized updates that align with your career preferences and learn about new opportunities in real-time.

Networking and Industry Leadership

At JLL, networking doesn’t end with your hire date. Continue to connect with leaders and peers through our various professional networks and community engagement initiatives. Lead the way in industry discussions, participate in global conferences, and contribute to innovative solutions that drive the future of real estate. At Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, we don’t just offer jobs—we offer careers that make a difference. Join us in shaping the future of real estate, one innovation at a time.
Learn more about Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated
Size
98,000 employees
Market Cap
$7.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$402.5 million
Founded
1783
5 Year Trend
+8.3%
Revenue
$16.5 billion
NASDAQ

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