Senior Cost Manager - Calgary, AB

Dokainish & Company; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Dokainish & Company, Calgary-based, seeks an experienced Senior Cost Manager for a major client engagement. Hybrid role with minimum 3 days in-office in Calgary and regular travel to client sites. You will lead cost management, estimating, and change control within a complex project environment.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in cost management, strong Excel and EVMS experience, and proficiency with AACE practices. Travel and client leadership are key components of the role.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in cost management and estimating.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management and cost reporting activities for assigned project(s).
• Develop, maintain, and refine project cost estimates and forecasts.
• Manage change control processes and report on scope and cost changes.
• Support risk management and cost risk analysis.
• Maintain client relationships and ensure continuity of service.
• Collaborate with scheduling and project controls teams for alignment.
• Mentor junior project controls staff and support their development.
• Travel regularly to client offices and project locations.
• Produce clear cost performance reporting and executive summaries.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and industry standards.

Skills

Cost management

Estimating

Change control

Cost reporting

Excel (Advanced)

EVMS

Scheduling: Primavera P6/MS Project

QCRA & ICSRA

AACE best practices

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Construction Management / Quantity Surveying

RICS / PMI / AACE CCP certification

Tools

Primavera P6 / MS Project

Cost management software

EVMS software

Job description

AboutDokainish& Company

Since 2011,Dokainish& Company has been delivering world-class project management and project controls consultancy services. We specialize in working diligently and collaboratively with our clients to achieve long-lasting, impactful results acrossnumerousbusiness functions.

Our areas of expertise include Project Controls, Project Management, Quantitative Risk Analysis, Organizational Change Management, Enterprise Reporting, Estimating, Asset Management, and System Implementation for Capital Projects. We draw upon decades of project experience to deliver customized solutions to our clients’ most complex challenges.

We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to join our high-performing, diverse, and innovative consulting team, supporting a key client engagement in Calgary

The Opportunity

The Senior Cost Manager will lead cost management, estimating, and change control activities embedded within a major client’s project environment. This role is central to maintainingcontinuity, accuracy, and trust in the client relationship, and requires a seasoned cost professional who can operate independently in an owner-side or embedded consulting capacity.

Location & Travel

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Calgary, Alberta (minimum 3 days/week in-office). The role also requires regular travel to client offices (1-2 days/week) and periodic travel outside the province as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cost management and cost reporting activities for assigned project(s), ensuring accuracy and timeliness of deliverables.
• Develop, maintain, and refine project cost estimates and forecasts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage change control processes, including tracking, evaluating, and reporting on scope and cost changes.
• Support risk management activities and contribute to cost risk analysis where required.
• Serve as a trusted day‑to‑day contact for client stakeholders, maintaining strong working relationships and ensuring continuity of service.
• Act as a trusted extension of the client’s team, proactively identifying and addressing cost‑related concerns to maintain client confidence and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with scheduling and broader project controls team members to ensure alignment across cost, schedule, and risk.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior project controls staff, sharing cost management expertise and supporting their professional development.
• Travel regularly to client offices and other project locations as required, including out‑of‑province travel.
• Produce clear, accurate reporting and executive‑level summaries on cost performance.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, contractual obligations, and applicable industry standards.
• Contribute to internal knowledge and tool development and best practice improvement within the cost management and estimating functions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in cost management and estimating.
• Strong background in cost control, change management, and cost reporting, ideally within owner‑side or embedded consulting environments.
• Extensive experience with quantity take‑offs, measurement, and other cost estimating basics, including the application of AACE cost estimating best practices.
• Experience preparing and validating cost estimates across various levels of project definition (e.g., AACE estimate classes).
• Experience supporting contract administration, claims, and commercial negotiations.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related field, or equivalent working experience.
• RICS, PMI, or AACE certification (e.g., CCP) is a strong asset.
• Proficiency in cost management and estimating software and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) is an asset.
• Scheduling experience (Primavera P6, MS Project) is an asset.
• Experience with quantitative risk analysis (QCRA &ICSRA) is an asset.
• Experience in the oil & gas, and/or nuclear sectors is a strong asset.
• Strong command of change control processes and cost governance frameworks.
• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport at senior client levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when representing Dokainish within a client’s internal environment.
• Ability to manage priorities independently in a fast‑paced consulting environment with minimal supervision.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada without sponsorship.
• Candidates must be based in or willing to independently relocate to Calgary, with flexibility for regular client‑site and out‑of‑province travel.

We take immense pride in our high‑performing, collaborative team. We recognize and value the uniqueness of every individual, and you’ll be part of a growing consulting firm where your expertise will directly shape project outcomes and client success. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, mentor others, and grow your career in a dynamic, results‑driven environment.

Notes

VACANCY STATUS: This posting is for a new position.

AI USAGE: This organization does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this particular open position. All applications are personally reviewed by our Talent Acquisition Team.

Dokainish& Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, gender, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age and veteran status, or any other protected status required by applicable law.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and Dokainish& Company AODA Policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.