Cost Manager | Owners Rep

E-Frontiers; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Exposure to cutting-edge tools

Job summary

E-Frontiers is seeking an experienced construction cost estimator to join our cost management team on high-profile projects, guiding costs from concept through construction with BIM 5D modeling, LEED cost analysis, and life cycle costing.

You will lead budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and invoicing while coordinating documentation and QA/QC, ensuring financial integrity and client satisfaction across multiple building types.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Structural or Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating, or equivalent technical qualification.
• 4+ years of relevant experience in construction cost estimating across multiple building types, from program through construction documentation stages.
• Strong knowledge of elemental and CSI cost formats.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering exceptional client service.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Cost Management: Lead cost control, negotiate change orders, and manage contingencies.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Oversee project budgets, provide accurate financial forecasts, and analyze financial statements.
• Invoice Processing: Track and process invoices while maintaining up-to-date cost systems.
• Reporting: Produce progress, earned value, and cost reconciliation reports for internal and client review.
• Contract Administration: Prepare cost estimates and manage contract terms, retention, and insurance.
• Documentation: Maintain project records including change orders, invoices, and relevant documentation.
• Project Closeout: Coordinate project closeout meetings and deliverables.
• Schedule Monitoring: Ensure adherence to project schedules and QA/QC standards.
• Support Project Management: Assist with RFPs, equipment plans, and supplier coordination.
• Proposal & Contract Management: Oversee proposal reviews, contract negotiations, and supplier deliveries.
• Financial Compliance: Ensure budgets are met and project charges are accurately reconciled.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Job description

About the Role

Join our highly respected cost management and estimating team and play a pivotal role in delivering precise, strategic, and innovative solutions for clients across a variety of building types. You’ll work on projects from concept through construction, leveraging cutting-edge tools like BIM 5D cost modeling, LEED cost analysis, and life cycle costing to influence project outcomes.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work on high-profile projects, collaborate closely with project teams, and gain exposure to the full spectrum of construction cost management.

Key Responsibilities

• Cost Management: Lead cost control, negotiate change orders, and manage contingencies.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Oversee project budgets, provide accurate financial forecasts, and analyze financial statements.
• Invoice Processing: Track and process invoices while maintaining up-to-date cost systems.
• Reporting: Produce progress, earned value, and cost reconciliation reports for internal and client review.
• Contract Administration: Prepare cost estimates and manage contract terms, retention, and insurance.
• Documentation: Maintain project records including change orders, invoices, and relevant documentation.
• Project Closeout: Coordinate project closeout meetings and deliverables.
• Schedule Monitoring: Ensure adherence to project schedules and QA/QC standards.
• Support Project Management: Assist with RFPs, equipment plans, and supplier coordination.
• Proposal & Contract Management: Oversee proposal reviews, contract negotiations, and supplier deliveries.
• Financial Compliance: Ensure budgets are met and project charges are accurately reconciled.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Structural or Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating, or equivalent technical qualification.
• 4+ years of relevant experience in construction cost estimating across multiple building types, from program through construction documentation stages.
• Strong knowledge of elemental and CSI cost formats.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering exceptional client service.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and analytical skills.

Why Join Us

• Career Growth: Opportunities to advance within a leading consultancy.
• Impactful Work: Influence high-profile projects from concept through completion.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a skilled team of estimators, project managers, and engineers.
• Flexible Work Options: Some work-from-home opportunities to balance productivity and lifestyle.
• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Tools: BIM 5D, LEED cost analysis, and life cycle costing.