Assistant Cost Manager

Currie & Brown; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction consultancy firm in New York is seeking an Assistant Cost Manager/Assistant Quantity Surveyor to support project management teams. The role includes preparing cost estimates, monitoring project budgets, and assisting with final account negotiations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 2-3 years of relevant experience. Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills are essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and knowledge of construction contracts is preferred.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in a commercial administrative position.
• Basic understanding of construction contracts and cost planning.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing cost estimates, budgets, and cash flow forecasts.
• Support in reviewing interim payment applications and lien waivers.
• Assist with monitoring project costs and maintaining records.
• Support effective communication between the project team.
• Assist with final account negotiations.

Skills

Good communication skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Bluebeam/Revit or equivalent software

Job description

The Assistant Cost Manager (ACM) / Assistant Quantity Surveyor (AQS) will support the commercial and project management teams on a range of projects in New York and surrounding areas. The ACM/AQS will help with financial management at various stages of the project life, including preconstruction, the construction phase, and final account negotiations. The desired candidate is expected to have good communication and interpersonal skills, be able to work collaboratively in a team environment, and work independently when required.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning & Coordination

• Assist in preparing cost estimates, budgets, and cash flow forecasts
• Support in measurement and quantity take-offs from drawings and specifications
• Attend Owner, Architect, and Contractor (OAC) meetings on occasion and help execute the respective actions
• Occasional site visits may be required, depending on project requirements

2. Contract Administration

• Support in reviewing interim payment applications and lien waivers, ensuring project expenditure aligns with the contract value and costs expended are allowable under the contract terms
• Assist with the assessment and negotiation of change orders, ensuring contractual entitlement and a fair and reasonable assessment of additional costs and time is recommended to the Client and subsequently implemented
• Assist with maintaining detailed records of actual costs and appropriate accruals to feed into the forecasted final account position for Client reporting purposes
• Assist with ensuring good housekeeping with project-related documents and ensure they are correctly saved within the respective project folders, in accordance with Currie & Brown’s company policy

3. Cost Control & Budget Management

• Assist with monitoring project costs and maintaining detailed records
• Assist with potential value engineering options and cost-saving initiatives
• Assist with preparing financial information for cost reporting purposes

4. Scheduling & Progress Tracking

• Assist the Project Management team in reviewing the Contractor’s interim schedule submission and accompanying narrative, and highlight any potential risks with the Substantial Completion Date
• Assist with reviewing the monthly cashflow submission and highlight any potential risks with project spend, by analyzing spend trends Vs forecasted amounts
• Support effective communication between the project team
• Assist with ensuring project actions are completed on time
• Assist with maintaining effective communication with all stakeholders
• Strong time management skills and able to prioritize tasks according to business and Client requirements

5. Project Closeout

• Assist with the final account negotiations and support the final close-out in collaboration with the Project Management team

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related qualification
• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a commercial administrative position
• Basic understanding of construction contracts, cost planning, and procurement processes
• Strong numerical, analytical, and organizational skills
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well in a team environment, as well as working independently when required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Ability to interpret contract terms and conditions and administer accordingly
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience in Bluebeam/Revit or equivalent software

Certifications (Preferred but not required)

• RICS accredited (either working towards or interested)

US work authorization is required; we cannot provide visa sponsorship for this role

About Us

Currie & Brown is one of the leading international physical asset management and construction consultancies, dedicated to advising clients worldwide with our expertise and experience in multiple sectors and services. We are differentiated by our people, innovation and reputation with a genuine global office network.