Senior Cost Manager - Project Controls - Calgary, AB

dokaco; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Dokainish & Company in Canada seeks a Senior Cost Manager to lead cost management, estimating, and change control for a major client project in Calgary. Based in Calgary with hybrid work (3 days in-office) and regular travel, you will guide cost reporting and risk analysis across the project lifecycle.

You have 10+ years in cost management and estimating, strong experience with AACE practices, EVMS, and cost governance. You will mentor junior staff and collaborate with project controls teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in cost management and estimating.
• Strong background in cost control, change management, and cost reporting.
• Experience with AACE cost estimating practices and EVMS.
• Experience with cost estimates across various project definitions (AACE classes).
• Experience supporting contract administration, claims, and negotiations.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; professional certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management and reporting for assigned projects.
• Develop and refine cost estimates and forecasts across the lifecycle.
• Manage change control processes and assess scope/cost changes.
• Support risk management and cost risk analysis.
• Maintain senior stakeholder relationships and client trust.
• Collaborate with scheduling and project controls teams for alignment.

Skills

Cost management

Estimating

Change management

Cost reporting

Forecasting

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, or related field

RICS/PMI/AACE CCP certification (asset)

Tools

Cost management software

Excel (advanced)

EVMS

Primavera P6

MS Project

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 whererequired.

• Serve as a trusted day-to-day contact for client stakeholders,maintainingstrong working relationships and ensuring continuity of service.

• Act as a trusted extension of the client's team, proactivelyidentifyingand addressing cost-related concerns tomaintainclient 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 managementexpertiseand supporting their professional development.

• Travel regularly to client offices and other project locations asrequired, including out-of-province travel.

• Produce clear,accuratereporting and executive-level summaries on cost performance.

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, contractual obligations, and applicable industry standards.

• Contribute to internal knowledgeand tooldevelopment and best practice improvement within the cost managementand estimatingfunctions.

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.

• Proficiencyin 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 & IC SRA) 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 tomaintainconfidentiality 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 independentlyrelocateto 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, andyou’llbe part of a growing consulting firm where yourexpertisewill 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.

We thank all applicants for their interest inDokainish& Company. Please note that only candidates selected for an initial interview will be contacted.

Notes:

VACANCY STATUS: Thispostingis for a new position.

AI USAGE: This organization does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for thisparticular openposition. 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 withthe Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, andDokainish& Company AODA Policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.