Cost Manager

Rider Levett Bucknall RLB; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rider Levett Bucknall is seeking a Cost Manager to deliver comprehensive cost management services across the project lifecycle, including cost forecasting, budgeting, and change management. The role supports senior staff and ensures value optimization for clients.

Based in South Bend, IN, this on-site position requires strong Excel skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects and procurement activities, while maintaining quality and contractual compliance.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong cost management, construction methods, and contract administration knowledge.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Experience in people management is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed cost estimating, budgeting, and cost planning across all project phases.
• Prepare and issue periodic cost reports to clients and internal staff.
• Review cash flow and communicate cost risks and opportunities; recommend strategies.
• Assist with administering change management including evaluation, negotiation, and approval of change orders.
• Assist with procurement activities including RFPs, bid evaluation, and contract administration.
• Attend bi-weekly cost meetings with contractors and engineering teams.
• Support value engineering initiatives to optimize cost efficiency while maintaining quality.
• Ensure closeout documentation meets contractual requirements.

Skills

Cost management

Budgeting

Forecasting

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Presentation skills

People management

Multitasking

Analytical problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Quantity Surveying/Construction Management

Tools

Excel

Job description

Overview Of The Role

The Cost Manager provides cost management services, including invoice validation, cost forecasting and reporting, change management, close-out administration, procurement management, earned value, and value engineering. The Cost Manager should be able to identify opportunities within a project that add value and help successfully achieve the client’s desired project outcome.

Title:

Cost Manager

Reporting to:

Office Director

Overview Of The Role

The Cost Manager provides cost management services, including invoice validation, cost forecasting and reporting, change management, close-out administration, procurement management, earned value, and value engineering. The Cost Manager should be able to identify opportunities within a project that add value and help successfully achieve the client’s desired project outcome. The Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor is responsible for supporting senior members of staff and delivering comprehensive cost management services throughout the project lifecycle. This role ensures effective financial control, value optimization, and alignment with client objectives from project inception through closeout.

Essential Functions

• Perform detailed cost estimating, budgeting, and cost planning across all project phases
• Prepares and issues periodic cost reports to senior technical staff for review and submission to the client.
• Reviews the cash flow prepared by junior technical staff and issues to senior technical staff
• Identify and communicate cost risks and opportunities, recommending strategies to enhance project value
• With minimal supervision, assist in administering change management processes, including evaluation, negotiation, and approval of change order requests
• Assist with managing and validating contractor and vendor invoices and applications for payment. Support procurement activities, including preparation of RFP documentation, bid evaluation, and contract administration. Where applicable, provide overviews and reports to the client on contractor buyout of subcontract bid packages
• Attends the bi-weekly cost meetings to review procurement status and change order status with the contractors and engineering teams
• Support value engineering initiatives to optimize cost efficiency while maintaining quality and scope Review contractor and vendor closeout documentation to ensure compliance with contractual requirements and successful project completion. Contributes to team performance by collaboration and effective communication.
• Understand client project objectives and proactively identify opportunities to enhance value and support successful outcomes. Support overall team objectives by undertaking additional responsibilities and duties as required.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a positive, proactive approach to the role and be committed to delivering customer service excellence and strong commercial results.

• Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required: 4-year Degree in Quantity Surveying (QS), Construction Management, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory, or a related field, plus four years or relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of cost management principles, construction methods, and contract administration
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Must be highly articulate, have clear and analytical approach to problem solving, and strong decision-making abilities
• Must have people management experience
• Must have excellent communication and presentation skills
• Must thoroughly understand and utilize Excel

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.