Cost Manager, Mission Critical

Milwaukee Succeeds; 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 Discount Programs

Job summary

Milwaukee Succeeds is seeking a Cost Manager to lead the full-cycle cost management of projects in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in construction management and cost estimating, knowledge of procurement processes, and be proficient in cost control software. The position offers a competitive salary range of $130,000 - $170,000 per annum along with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of cost estimating and cost management experience in construction.
• Proven expertise in procurement, tendering, and final accounts.
• Experience with U.S. construction practices and knowledge of local tax impacts.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle cost management of projects.
• Prepare and present monthly cost reports to senior stakeholders.
• Prepare tender documentation and manage procurement processes.

Skills

Construction Management

Cost Estimation

Cost Control Software

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Estimating Software

Job description

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 per annum. 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

Equity and Inclusion

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

For information about your rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters