Associate Director

Rider Levett Bucknall RLB; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rider Levett Bucknall seeks an Associate Director to lead cost management and quantity surveying across all project phases. You will develop budgets, cost plans, and cash-flow forecasts, and provide strategic financial guidance to optimize project value.

You will also oversee procurement, bid evaluations, and contract awards while tracking costs and risks. Strong leadership and client relationship skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in construction-related field as stated.
• 8+ years in construction cost estimating.
• Experience with CSI formats and cost planning.
• AACE CPP preferred.
• Knowledge of industry-estimating software and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management and quantity surveying across all project phases.
• Develop and maintain budgets, cost plans, estimates, and cash-flow forecasts.
• Provide strategic cost advice and value engineering to align with budgets.
• Oversee procurement, bid packages, contractor prequalification, and awards.
• Track costs, change orders, payments, forecasts, and final accounts.
• Build client relationships and support business development initiatives.
• Mentor junior staff and support leadership in strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, consultants, and internal teams on objectives.

Skills

Cost estimation

Cost management

Budgeting

Procurement

MS Office

Education

4-year college degree in Construction Management or related

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview Of Role

The Associate Director is responsible for leading project cost management services and overseeing the successful execution of client commissions while supporting the operational, business development, sales, and marketing objectives of the Company's core service offerings. This role provides leadership in cost planning, commercial management, and project delivery across all phases of the project lifecycle, ensuring effective cost control, accurate financial reporting, strong client relationships, and successful project outcomes. The ideal candidate will proactively identify opportunities to add value, mitigate risks, and support clients in achieving their strategic, financial, and project objectives while mentoring staff and contributing to the organization’s long-term growth and operational excellence.

Title

Associate Director

Reporting to

Office Director

Essential Functions

• Lead and manage the delivery of cost management and quantity surveying services across all phases of a project, from pre-construction through closeout, ensuring projects are completed within budget and aligned with client objectives.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, cost plans, estimates, cash-flow forecasts, and bid documentation, providing accurate financial oversight from pre-construction through project closeout.
• Provide strategic cost advice, value engineering, and financial analysis to support client objectives, optimize project value, and ensure design and construction decisions remain aligned with approved budgets.
• Manage procurement and bidding activities, including preparation of bid packages, contractor prequalification, bid evaluations, negotiations, recommendation of awards, and contract execution.
• Track and control project costs, change orders, pay applications, financial reporting, forecasts, and final accounts while identifying and mitigating commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, contribute to business development initiatives, identify opportunities to expand services, and support the growth of new and existing client accounts.
• Support the Senior Director and company leadership with technical development initiatives, research and development efforts, strategic planning activities, and special projects that enhance service delivery and technical expertise.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with clients, contractors, consultants, designers, owners, and internal teams to ensure alignment on project objectives, schedules, budgets, and desired outcomes.
• Review and evaluate contractor change orders, evaluate cost impacts, process payment applications, and ensure compliance with contract terms and company procedures.
• Ensure all cost management and project controls processes comply with company standards, client requirements, and industry best practices.
• Mentor, supervise, and develop junior staff through coaching, training, knowledge sharing, and performance management while fostering collaboration, effective communication, and high-performing project teams.

The Associate Director will demonstrate a positive proactive approach to the role, and will be committed to delivering customer service excellence, with good commercial results.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required: 4-year college degree in Construction Management, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating or equivalent recognized technical qualification.
• Minimum Experience required: 8+ years’ relevant experience in construction cost estimating of a variety of building types from program, conceptual, schematic, design development and construction document stages of design in elemental and CSI format for all architectural, structural, and civil components of new construction and renovation projects. Some MEP estimating experience preferred. AACE International and/or Certified Cost Professional preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of execution of cost management services; good planning, organization, and communication skills essential. Understanding of technical and non-technical documents related to cost management services required. Knowledge and use of industry-estimating software and Microsoft Office software programs.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Indoor office environment. May require work on site location when necessary.
• Equipment used includes computers and standard office machines.
• Essential physical tasks include: the ability to work on a computer and the ability to answer and speak on a telephone.

RLB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices based on race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items.