M
Full Time Any

Houston, Texas · USA job

Senior Cost Manager Director

MalaceHR

Houston, Texas

Job description

MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Director to support complex construction and real estate projects in the Chicago market.



This senior-level position is focused heavily on cost management and project controls, with responsibility for managing project costs through both pre-contract and post-contract phases. The ideal candidate will bring at least 10 years of experience in cost management, estimating, quantity surveying, project controls, or a closely related construction discipline.



This role will support multiple projects simultaneously and will require a strong understanding of construction methods, procurement, estimating, budgeting, risk management, change management, and project financial controls.



The successful candidate must also be highly client-facing and capable of delivering a polished, white-glove level of service to senior stakeholders. The position is expected to begin without direct reports but may evolve into a broader team leadership role as the program grows.



Key Responsibilities



  • Lead cost management and project controls activities across multiple concurrent construction projects.




  • Manage project costs throughout both pre-contract and post-contract phases.




  • Prepare detailed construction and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents.




  • Develop and maintain project budgets, cost plans, forecasts, cash flow projections, contingencies, and financial reports.




  • Perform conceptual estimating and AACE Level 15 cost evaluations.




  • Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and project documentation to develop accurate cost assessments.




  • Analyze and communicate current market pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.




  • Utilize historical project data, published cost information, benchmarking tools, and market studies to support estimates and forecasts.




  • Provide value engineering analysis and design option reviews.




  • Identify opportunities to improve project value and control costs without compromising scope, quality, or performance.




  • Support procurement and tendering activities, including bid leveling, bid analysis, commercial evaluations, and contractor reconciliations.




  • Review contractor and subcontractor estimates, proposals, pricing, and qualifications.




  • Participate in contractor negotiations and commercial discussions.




  • Review change orders and assess proposed changes for scope alignment, cost impact, and overall project implications.




  • Support formal change management processes throughout the project lifecycle.




  • Track commitments, expenditures, forecasts, allowances, contingencies, and overall project financial performance.




  • Identify risks that may affect cost, schedule, scope, or project delivery.




  • Develop and monitor appropriate risk mitigation strategies.




  • Coordinate with project managers, architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and client stakeholders to gather accurate project information.




  • Prepare detailed project cost reports, forecasts, and executive-level updates.




  • Present cost information, recommendations, and project status to internal and external stakeholders.




  • Conduct periodic project controls reviews and audits to identify deviations from established processes.




  • Identify budget variances and recommend corrective actions.




  • Support project teams in implementing lessons learned and cost management best practices.




  • Stay current on construction market conditions, escalation trends, industry practices, and emerging project controls methodologies.




  • Apply subject matter expertise to improve cost management processes, tools, reporting, and overall service delivery.




  • Maintain and strengthen client relationships through proactive, clear, and professional communication.




  • Navigate complex or sensitive conversations regarding budget, project changes, contractor performance, and commercial matters.




  • Provide a highly responsive, customer-focused level of service.




  • Support and mentor team members as the organization grows.




  • Contribute to identifying and attracting strong cost management and project controls talent.




  • Support business development efforts and the cultivation of existing and prospective client relationships as needed.





Required Qualifications



  • Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, preferably in:





    • Quantity Surveying




    • Construction Management




    • Architecture




    • Engineering




    • Real Estate




    • Related field






  • 10+ years of experience as a Cost Manager, Senior Cost Manager, Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, Project Controls professional, or similar construction-focused role.




  • Extensive experience managing projects through both pre-contract and post-contract phases.




  • Strong background in construction cost management and estimating.




  • Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, labor, materials, equipment, and project delivery.




  • Ability to independently prepare and review detailed and conceptual construction estimates.




  • Experience developing and maintaining project budgets, cost plans, and forecasts.




  • Ability to perform AACE Level 15 cost evaluations.




  • Experience with procurement, tendering, bid analysis, contractor negotiations, and commercial reconciliation.




  • Experience reviewing contractor pricing, subcontractor pricing, and change orders.




  • Strong understanding of project cost forecasting, change management, risk management, and financial reporting.




  • Ability to evaluate incomplete or evolving design information and appropriately qualify assumptions and unknowns.




  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.




  • Ability to manage multiple large or complex projects simultaneously.




  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.




  • Strong executive-level client-facing and stakeholder-management capabilities.




  • Ability to provide a professional, white-glove customer experience.




  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.




  • Ability and willingness to travel as required.




  • Must be a U.S. Citizen due to client requirements.





Preferred Qualifications



  • Professional certification such as AACE, RICS, PMP, or similar industry credential.




  • Experience using CostX, On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable estimating and quantity takeoff software.




  • Experience utilizing construction cost databases and benchmarking tools.




  • Experience supporting large-scale commercial real estate, capital improvement, industrial, or complex construction programs.




  • Previous leadership, mentoring, or team-development experience.




  • Experience producing market intelligence, case studies, benchmarking reports, or other client-facing cost management deliverables.



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