Cost Manager, Mission Critical

Ryan Companies US, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); 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

Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs

Job summary

Ryan Companies US, Inc. is seeking a Cost Manager in Milwaukee, WI, to lead full-cycle cost management for projects. The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of experience in cost estimating and management within the construction industry, along with exceptional communication skills and a strong understanding of construction cost drivers. The role offers a competitive salary range of $130,000 - $170,000 annually along with various benefits including medical, dental, and retirement savings options.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant cost estimating and cost management experience.
• Experience delivering technically complex projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction cost drivers.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle cost management of projects.
• Prepare and present monthly cost reports and risk assessments.
• Review contractual terms and recommend entitlements.

Skills

Cost estimating

Cost management

Communication skills

Construction practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Estimating and cost control 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.

Non-Solicitation Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

Ryan Companies kindly requests that recruitment agencies and third-party recruiters do not submit unsolicited resumes or candidate information to any Ryan Companies employee or office. Ryan Companies will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited submissions. If recruitment services are required, we will reach out directly to agencies on our approved vendor list. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.