Lead Cost

Mace; Louisville (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is seeking a professional in cost management with a degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent. You'll be responsible for feasibility studies, cost planning, and contract administration across projects.

The ideal candidate has proven experience in budgeting and contract management, alongside strong communication and analytical skills. Mace is open to flexible work arrangements including part-time or hybrid options.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in cost planning, budgeting, estimating, and understanding of delivery risks.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts and contract law.
• Digitally competent with knowledge of BIM techniques and applications.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for feasibility studies and procurement strategies.
• Manages cost planning activities and presents final cost plans.
• Advises on administration of building contract terms.

Skills

Cost planning

Contract administration

Negotiation

Analytical skills

BIM techniques

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying / Cost Management

Job description

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture and priorities, visit our strategy site.

Within our business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project.

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey:

• Safety first - Going home safe and well
• Client focus – Deliver on our promise
• Integrity – Always do the right thing
• Create opportunity – For our people to excel

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Accountable for feasibility studies, advising on procurement strategies and contract selection, writing and undertaking procurement reports.
• Utilises expertise and applies the value management techniques at the outset of a project.
• Manages, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan.
• Contributes to the procurement process, ensuring that all stages including prequalification, enquiry, analysis, selection and contract preparation are performed effectively.
• Supervises the preparation of the contract documents, warranties, bonds and licenses and assist formal execution by the appropriate parties.
• Advises on administration of the terms of the building contract.
• Accountable for the measurement of valuations of the work carried out and ensuring that cost checking and valuation work is managed effectively.
• Ensures adequate cost control and reporting services during the contract and the production of monthly post-contract cost reports and presenting them to the client.
• Identifies all costs associated with design changes, contract awards, construction activities and client charges.
• Oversees and engages in the evaluation of claims for delay and additional costs made by the contractor and any nominated subcontractors/suppliers.
• Provides comprehensive advice on the issuing of certificates of making good defects and final completion in accordance with any requirements relating to completion, submissions and approvals.
• Advises on the issue of certificates of practical completion and ensure that final accounts are negotiated and agreed.
• Manages team of Cost Consultants, providing guidance, direction and coaching and performance management.
• Delivers improvements in systems and processes, driving transformational change.
• Provides mentoring/training to members of the team.
• Shares technical/functional/domain expertise to upskill capabilities.
• Develops & maintains a series of both internal and external relationships. Manages & influences Key/Senior stakeholders.
• Identifies and implements continuous improvement plans/identifies key business improvements.
• Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

You’ll need to have

• Degree in Quantity Surveying / Cost Management (or equivalent) with relevant technical qualifications or certifications aligned to the project portfolio.
• Proven experience in cost planning, budgeting, estimating, and sound understanding of costs, timescales, and associated delivery risks.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, including methods of measurement, contractual frameworks, contract law, and detailed forms of contract.
• Demonstrable experience in contract administration and contract management, providing advice across the full project lifecycle.
• Sound knowledge of value engineering, life cycle costing, and commercial decision-making.
• Digitally competent with knowledge of BIM techniques and applications, supported by strong analytical skills.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and communication skills, with the ability to deliver service excellence and command professional respect at all levels (MRICS/RICS or equivalent preferred).

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organization.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.