Associate - Cost Management
JLL Project and Development Services | Dublin, Ireland
About JLL Ireland
Jones Lang LaSalle is a leading professional services firm specializing in real estate and investment management. Our Project and Development Services team delivers comprehensive cost management, project management, and sustainability services across Ireland's most significant commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Associate to join our Project and Development Services team, reporting to the Head of Project Management. This is a specialised role combining strategic business development (30%) with hands-on cost management delivery (70%), designed to enhance our existing cost management capabilities while driving growth into new market sectors. While we currently excel in office fit-out projects, this role presents an exciting opportunity to establish JLL Ireland as a leader in base build cost management services.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Management Delivery (70%)
* Lead cost management services on office fit-out projects, leveraging our established market position
* Undertake other
* Establish and implement best practice cost management processes and procedures across the Irish team
* Provide cost planning, cost control, and value engineering expertise from concept to completion
* Enhance existing cost management frameworks and reporting templates
* Manage procurement processes including tender documentation, analysis, and contractor selection
* Deliver accurate cost reporting, change management, and final account settlement
* Collaborate with JLL UK Cost Management teams to ensure knowledge transfer and best practice adoption
* Mentor colleagues to enhance their cost management capabilities
* Ensure compliance with JLL global standards and Irish regulatory requirements
* Assist in creating/developing/undertaking additional services such as Reinstatement Cost Assessments, Lifecycle costing, carbon accounting, feasibility study's, Sustainability and ESG cost assessments, etc.
Business Development and Market Expansion (30%)
* Identify and pursue opportunities to expand JLL's cost management services into base build and shell & core projects
* Develop relationships with developers, main contractors, and institutional clients active in new construction
* Prepare compelling proposals and lead client presentations, particularly for larger-scale development projects
* Support the Head of Project Management in strategic client relationship management
* Collaborate with other JLL service lines to deliver integrated solutions and identify cross-selling opportunities
* Represent JLL at industry events and maintain market intelligence on cost management trends
* Build pipeline for base build work to diversify our service offering beyond fit-out projects
Process Development and Leadership
* Establish a formal cost management function within JLL Ireland
* Create scalable processes that can accommodate team growth and additional resources
* Provide technical leadership and guidance to colleagues
* Contribute to strategic planning for the cost management service line expansion
Essential Requirements
* Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, or related discipline
* Chartered status (RICS, SCSI, or equivalent) strongly preferred
* Minimum 6-10 years' experience in cost management within the Irish or UK construction industry
* Experience in base build/shell & core cost management favourable but not required.
* Proven experience in office fit-out cost management (minimum 5 years)
* Demonstrated ability to establish and implement cost management processes and procedures
* Some experience in business development and client relationship management
* Strong understanding of Irish construction procurement, contracts and market conditions
* Experience managing projects valued €2M+ with exposure to larger developments preferred
* Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
* Proficiency in cost management software and Microsoft Office suite
* Full driving license and willingness to travel within Ireland
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience working within a major consultancy environment with established global standards
* Knowledge of sustainable construction practices and green building standards
* Existing relationships within the Irish development and construction community
* Some experience mentoring and developing junior professionals favourable but not required
* Understanding of integrated project delivery
What We Offer
* Competitive salary
* Opportunity to shape and lead the development of JLL Ireland's cost management capabilities
* Support and collaboration with JLL's established UK Cost Management teams
* Clear pathway for team growth and additional resources as the business develops
* Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, pension, and life assurance
* Professional development opportunities and support for continuing education
* Hybrid working arrangements supporting work-life balance
* Access to JLL's global network and career progression opportunities
* Performance-based bonus structure reflecting both delivery and business development success
* Travel expenses
Career Development
This role offers exceptional growth potential as we expand our cost management services. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build and eventually lead a specialised cost management team as our client base and project portfolio grows.