Associate Director

Rider Levett Bucknall RLB; San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) seeks an Associate Director to lead cost management and quantity surveying across all project phases. You will develop budgets and cost plans, provide strategic financial advice, oversee procurement and bidding, and monitor change orders and final accounts while mentoring staff. Strong client relationships and adherence to best practices are essential for successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• 4-year college degree in Construction Management, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or Cost Estimating.
• 8+ years' relevant experience in construction cost estimating for multiple building types.
• Familiarity with CSI format and cost estimation for all disciplines.
• AACE Certified Professional (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cost management and quantity surveying across all project phases.
• Develop budgets, cost plans, estimates, cash-flow forecasts, and bid docs.
• Provide strategic cost advice, value engineering, and financial analysis.
• Manage procurement, bidding, and contract award processes.
• Track costs, change orders, pay apps, and final accounts.
• Mentor staff and support business development and client relationships.
• Ensure compliance with company standards and industry best practices.

Skills

Cost management

Quantity surveying

Budgeting

Client relationships

Leadership

Financial analysis

Project delivery

Change order evaluation

Education

Construction Management

Structural Engineering

Architectural Engineering

Cost Estimating

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

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 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.