Title:Senior Cost Manager
Reporting to:Office Director
Travel: International Travel to Japan is required at least 1 week a year.
The proposed compensation range for this position is: $105,000 - $160,000. The offered rate of pay will be based on work location, individual education, skills, qualifications, and experience level.
Due to the nature of work, U.S. Citizenship is required.
Overview of Role
The Senior Cost Manager is responsible for managing project costs throughout all stages of construction, ensuring effective cost control, accurate reporting, and strong client collaboration. The successful candidate will bring solid construction cost management experience and the ability to lead cost planning and commercial activities across a range of project types. The Senior Cost Manager should be able to identify opportunities to add value and help achieve the client’s desired project outcomes.
Essential Functions
Quantity Surveying: Candidates with experience in this specialty will be responsible for:
- Leading and providing cost management and quantity surveying services across all project phases, from preconstruction through project closeout.
- Performing value engineering and cost analysis to support efficient project delivery and alignment with project budgets.
- Providing cost advice during design development and ensuring design decisions remain aligned with approved project budgets.
- Managing procurement and bidding processes, including preparing bid packages, evaluating bids, and recommending contractors for award.
- Participating in pre-bid meetings, contractor negotiations, and contract award processes.
- Tracking and managing project costs, including change orders, cost reporting, project cash flow, and financial forecasting throughout the project lifecycle.
- Preparing regular cost reports and financial updates for clients and project stakeholders.
- Reviewing and evaluating contractors’ change order requests and negotiating cost impacts as needed.
- Reviewing and processing contractor and consultant pay applications and ensuring compliance with contract terms.
- Assisting with the preparation, negotiation, and agreement of final accounts and project closeout documentation.
- Providing commercial and financial guidance to clients and project teams to support informed decision-making.
- Identifying and managing commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
- Communicating effectively with clients, contractors, designers, internal teams, and other stakeholders.
- Ensuring cost management processes align with company standards, project controls procedures, and client requirements.
- Supporting, guiding, and mentoring junior staff while contributing to team development, training, and knowledge sharing.
Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a positive, proactive approach and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
Education:
- Four-year college degree in Construction Management, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating, or an equivalent recognized technical qualification. Equivalent experience may be considered.
Experience:
- At least 5+yrs of relevant experience in construction cost estimating for a variety of building types.
- Experience estimating projects from program and conceptual stages through schematic design, design development, and construction documents.
- Experience preparing estimates in elemental and CSI formats for architectural, structural, and civil components of new construction and renovation projects.
- Some MEP estimating experience preferred.
- AACE International certification and/or Certified Cost Professional designation preferred.
- Knowledge and understanding of cost management services.
- Strong planning, organization, and communication skills.
- Ability to understand technical and nontechnical documents related to cost management services.
- Knowledge of and experience with industry estimating software and Microsoft Office programs.
- U.S. citizenship required due to the nature of the work.
- International travel to Japan required for at least one week per year.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
- Work is primarily performed in an indoor office environment, with occasional work at project sites as needed.
- Equipment used includes computers and standard office machines.
- Essential physical tasks include working on a computer and answering and speaking on the telephone.
RLB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The company does not and will not discriminate in employment or personnel practices based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transfer, and promotion practices are conducted without regard to these characteristics.
Notice to External Recruitment Agencies
RLB North America’s Talent Acquisition Team exclusively manages all external agency engagements. Candidate submissions will be accepted only from agencies with a current, fully executed fee agreement. Submissions made without an active agreement will be considered unsolicited. RLB North America assumes no obligation to pay fees and reserves the right to contact, interview, or hire candidates without obligation to the submitting agency. All unsolicited résumés or candidate information, including materials sent directly to RLB employees, will be considered the property of RLB North America.