Assistant Cost Manager

TGS International Group; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Retirement savings plan

Professional development support

Annual bonus eligibility

Job summary

TGS International Group is seeking an Assistant Cost Manager to support the Cost Manager and Commercial team on cost control for design-build and EPC projects. You will assist with cost planning, budgeting, forecasting, procurement, and financial reporting across the project lifecycle.

The role requires strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced construction environment. Experience with CMiC, Procore, Viewpoint is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Economics or a related field.
• Professional designation such as MRICS, PQS or equivalent is preferred but not required.
• Relevant construction, commercial, financial or project experience may be considered in lieu of a directly related degree.

Responsibilities

• Assist with cost planning, budgeting and forecasting for projects.
• Track committed costs, changes and forecasted expenditure.
• Maintain cost-to-complete reporting and identify cost risks.
• Support change management, contract administration and procurement activities.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and project financial summaries.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Estimating, Commercial and Finance teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Economics or related field

MRICS/PQS certification preferred

Tools

CMiC

Procore

Viewpoint

Job description

Department: Commercial / Operations

Reporting to: Director of Commercial

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Company

Our client is an established international technical engineering and construction business operating across the UK, Ireland, North America and Mainland Europe.

The business delivers design and build projects for major end-user clients across technically complex sectors including Data Centres, Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics, Food and Pharmaceutical.

With a strong focus on project delivery, safety, quality and commercial performance, the company works closely with clients and supply chain partners to deliver complex projects efficiently and to a high standard.

Position Overview

The Assistant Cost Manager will support the Cost Manager and wider Commercial team in managing project cost control activities from preconstruction through to project completion.

The role will provide hands-on support across cost planning, budgeting, forecasting, change management, procurement and financial reporting.

You will work closely with Project Managers, Estimators, Cost Managers, subcontractors and Finance teams to maintain accurate project cost information and support effective commercial decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical mindset, excellent attention to detail, a positive attitude and the ability to learn and adapt within a fast-paced construction environment.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Planning & Budget Management

• Assist with developing, monitoring and updating project budgets and cost plans.
• Support the preparation of detailed cost reports, forecasts and variance analyses.
• Track committed costs, approved changes and forecasted expenditure.
• Assist with maintaining accurate cost-to-complete reporting.
• Help identify potential cost risks and escalated issues to the Cost Manager.

Change Management

• Assist in reviewing change order requests and subcontractor variations for accuracy and completeness.
• Support the documentation and processing of project changes.
• Maintain and update project change logs.
• Assist with evaluating the cost impact of changes and variations.
• Work with project and commercial teams to ensure changes are properly documented and communicated.
• Support the Cost Manager during negotiations with clients and subcontractors.

Procurement & Contract Support

• Assist with the preparation of tender packages and bid documentation.
• Support bid evaluations and subcontractor award recommendations.
• Assist with subcontractor procurement and cost comparisons.
• Support contract administration and ensure cost information is accurately captured in project systems.
• Assist in identifying value engineering opportunities and monitoring subcontractor performance.
• Develop an understanding of market conditions and construction cost trends.
• Assist in producing monthly cost reports and project financial summaries.
• Support cash flow projections and earned value reporting.
• Assist with reconciling field progress, accounting data and project forecasts.
• Collaborate with Finance on accruals, cost reconciliations and project audits.
• Maintain accurate project cost records and supporting documentation.
• Assist the Cost Manager in preparing financial information for project and executive leadership review.
• Work closely with Project Management, Estimating, Commercial and Finance teams to support project cost objectives.
• Build effective working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Assist with communicating project cost performance and forecasts.
• Participate in project meetings and provide relevant cost information as required.
• Contribute to lessons-learned sessions, benchmarking activities and continuous improvement initiatives.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Economics or a related field.
• Professional designation such as MRICS, PQS or equivalent is preferred but not required.
• Relevant construction, commercial, financial or project experience may be considered in lieu of a directly related degree.

Experience

• 0–3 years’ experience in construction, cost management, project controls, estimating, finance or a related field preferred.
• Exposure to large-scale design-build or EPC projects is preferred.
• Experience within data centres, logistics, advanced manufacturing or other technically complex construction environments is advantageous.
• Strong interest in developing a career in construction cost management and commercial management.
• Strong knowledge of cost control principles, contract law and construction accounting systems.

The ideal candidate will have some of the following:

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to interpret and analyse financial and project cost information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn construction cost management, contracts and commercial processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively with project teams and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with cost management or project control software such as CMiC, Procore, Viewpoint or similar is preferred.

Core Competencies

• Financial and analytical acumen
• Cost forecasting and risk management
• Contract and commercial awareness
• Collaboration and stakeholder communication
• Process improvement and accountability
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Annual performance bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development and continuing education support