Lead Cost

Mace; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace is seeking a qualified Cost Consultant to lead feasibility studies, advise on procurement strategies, and own cost planning for major projects. You will manage cost reporting, contract administration, and the preparation of final accounts, while guiding a team of Cost Consultants and driving process improvements.

The role supports hybrid working arrangements in a dynamic project delivery environment, with opportunities to influence across the project lifecycle and contribute to

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent with relevant professional qualifications.
• Experience in cost planning, budgeting, estimating and delivery risk.
• Knowledge of contract frameworks, law and contract administration.
• Experience with value engineering, lifecycle costing and commercial decision making.
• Proficient with BIM techniques and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Lead feasibility studies and advise on procurement strategies and contract selection.
• Develop and present final cost plans and manage cost reporting.
• Oversee procurement stages from prequalification to contract preparation.
• Supervise contract documents, warranties, bonds and licences.
• Provide guidance on certificates, practical completion and final accounts.
• Manage a Cost Consultants team and drive process improvements.
• Mentor staff and share technical knowledge across the team.
• Engage with senior stakeholders and drive net zero-related initiatives.

Skills

Cost planning

Budgeting

Contract management

BIM

MRICS

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

Tools

BIM

CostX

Excel

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 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 contract documents, warranties, bonds and licences and assists 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 or 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 ensures that final accounts are negotiated and agreed.
• Manages a team of Cost Consultants, providing guidance, direction and coaching and performance management.
• Delivers improvements in systems and processes, driving transformational change.
• Provides mentoring and training to members of the team.
• Shares technical, functional and domain expertise to upskill capabilities.
• Develops and maintains a series of both internal and external relationships. Manages and influences key and senior stakeholders.
• Identifies and implements continuous improvement plans and key business improvements.
• Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, and shares 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 with the role.