Cost Manager | Owners Rep

E-Frontiers; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

E-Frontiers is seeking an experienced construction cost estimator to join our team, delivering precise estimates from program through construction across diverse building types. You will implement BIM 5D cost modeling, LEED cost analysis, and life-cycle costing to influence decisions and project outcomes.

Join a collaborative team, drive budgets and forecasts, and support project management from RFPs through closeout, including change orders and cost reconciliations.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant experience in construction cost estimating across multiple building types.
• Strong knowledge of elemental and CSI cost formats.
• Proactive, detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost control and negotiate change orders.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Track and process invoices and maintain cost systems.
• Produce progress, earned value, and cost reconciliation reports.
• Prepare cost estimates and manage contract terms, retention, and insurance.
• Maintain project records including change orders, invoices, and documentation.
• Coordinate project closeout meetings and deliverables.
• Monitor schedules and QA/QC standards.
• Assist with RFPs, equipment plans, and supplier coordination.
• Oversee proposal reviews, contract negotiations, and supplier deliveries.
• Ensure budgets are met and project charges are reconciled.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Structural or Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating, or equivalent technical qualification

Tools

BIM 5D cost modeling

LEED cost analysis

Life cycle costing

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.