Cost Manager, Mission Critical

Ryan Companies US, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

Retirement and Savings Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Educational Assistance

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Ryan Companies US, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Cost Manager to lead full-cycle cost control on complex construction projects in the United States. The role focuses on cost planning, budgeting, and life-cycle cost modeling, ensuring accuracy from concept through completion.

The candidate will drive procurement support, analyze labor and tax implications, and present financial insights to senior leadership. Strong communication with clients and stakeholders is essential for project success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in CM, QS, Eng or related field.
• 7+ years of cost estimating and cost management experience in construction.
• Experience with pre-contract and post-contract phases incl. procurement and final accounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle cost management from concept through completion.
• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and forecasts at milestones.
• Review design options for cost implications and accuracy.

Skills

Cost estimation

Stakeholder communication

Budgeting

Project management

Pre/post-contract experience

Industry knowledge

Estimating software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Job Description:

Things you can expect to do:

Cost Management & Estimating

• Lead the full-cycle cost management of projects, establishing and maintaining cost controls from concept through completion.
• Conduct scope definition workshops with clients to develop accurate, comprehensive project budgets.
• Create and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates aligned with each design phase, updating forecasts at key milestones.
• Review design alternatives and emerging technologies for cost implications, ensuring estimates meet required accuracy standards.
• Deliver lifecycle cost models and integrate benchmarking data to support informed decision-making.
• Subcontractor change order evaluations based on project requirements.

Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare and present monthly cost reports and risk assessments to senior stakeholders, highlighting key variances, risks, and recommended actions.
• Support monthly stakeholder meetings and presentations with financial content, insights, and commentary.
• Produce cash flow forecasts across the project lifecycle to support client financial planning.

Procurement & Commercial Support

• Prepare tender documentation for trade packages, manage tender queries, and perform leveling and compliance reviews.
• Produce Tender Recommendation Reports and lead trade package reviews, ensuring a transparent and compliant procurement process.
• Manage monthly pencil requisitions, review variations, and support the agreement of rolling and final accounts.

Contract & Financial Oversight

• Review and interpret contractual terms and recommend entitlements related to change orders and claims.
• Coordinate with client finance teams to ensure accurate accounting, reporting, and compliance
• Analyze labor markets, union implications, and local tax impacts to inform cost strategy and project budgeting.

Things we expect you to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of relevant cost estimating and cost management experience, ideally in general contracting or construction management roles.
• Experience in delivering technically complex projects.
• Proven expertise in both pre-contract and post-contract phases, including procurement, tendering, and final accounts.
• Strong working knowledge of construction cost drivers.
• Proficient in industry-standard estimating and cost control software.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to confidently present to and influence senior stakeholders.
• Able to manage multiple project deliverables simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with U.S. construction practices preferred; knowledge of union labor, tax regulations, and U.S. procurement models is a plus.

Compensation:

The base pay range is $130,000 - 170,000/Annually. The salary may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission and/or an incentive program.

Eligibility:

Position requires verification of employment to work in the U.S.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary

• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

• Retirement and Savings Benefits

• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

• Life Insurance

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

• Educational Assistance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs

• Parenting Benefits

• Employee Discount Programs

• Pet insurance

• Ryan Foundation - charitable matching funds

• Paid Time for Volunteer Events

Disclaimer: Eligibility may vary based on factors such as role, hours worked, employment status, length of service, location, and other considerations. Detailed information will be shared with eligible candidates during the hiring process, and the official terms and conditions will be outlined in each individual offer document.

Ryan Companies is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.