Lead Senior Cost Manager

Rider Levett Bucknall RLB; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 113,900 - 151,700; Full time

Job summary

Rider Levett Bucknall RLB in Chicago seeks a Lead Senior Cost Manager to oversee cost estimation, ensure quality standards, and maximize client satisfaction on diverse projects. You will interact with clients, consultants, and designers to deliver value and maintain policy alignment.

Responsibilities include leading estimators, evaluating cost data, and preparing independent estimates through design development and construction documents.

Qualifications

• Requires a 4-year degree in a construction-related field or equivalent.
• 5–10 years of cost estimating experience across multiple project stages.
• MEP estimating experience preferred; professional designation valued (AACE/Certified Cost Professional).
• Strong cost management knowledge, planning, organization, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with industry estimating software and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Review plans and specs, perform take-offs, and prepare estimates across architectural, structural, and civil scopes.
• Generate value engineering options and cost strategies.
• Prepare post‑contract estimates and report variances.
• Collaborate with Estimating Team to analyze plans, take‑offs, and pricing.
• Lead projects and review estimates before supervisory sign‑off.
• Analyze cost data and forecast costs for future work.
• Provide technical evaluations and client‑facing communications.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to team performance.

Skills

Cost estimation expertise

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office proficiency

Estimating software

Education

4-year college degree in Construction Management/Structural/Architectural/Cost Estimating or equivalent

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Overview

RLB is an award‑winning international firm providing property and construction consultancy services across the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Oceania. With more than 20 offices in North America and the Caribbean and over a hundred global offices, we combine a global reach with local presence to serve a diverse client base.

Job Details

Title: Lead Senior Cost Manager

Reporting to: Office Director

Salary Range: $113,900 - $151,700

Overview of Role

The Lead Senior Cost Manager oversees cost estimation and ensures quality standards and client satisfaction. This role interfaces with clients, consultants, and designers to attain project goals while maintaining company policy consistency. The incumbent identifies value‑adding opportunities and directs project outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Review construction plans and specifications, perform quantity take‑offs, and prepare estimates for all architectural, structural, and civil scopes from schematic through final design for new construction and renovation projects
• Generate value engineering, cost option and cost strategy estimates
• Prepare independent post‑contract estimates, reporting differences in scope, quantities, and pricing from contractors
• Collaborate as part of the Estimating Team to analyze plans and specifications, take off, and price projects
• Lead specific projects and review estimates prepared by the Estimating Team before final supervisory review
• Compile and analyze data on cost drivers such as material, labor, equipment and profit margins
• Evaluate cost estimating deliverables from architects and engineers for cost containment
• Acquire and evaluate historical and vendor cost data to develop estimates and price recommendations
• Accurately forecast the costs of future projects and changes to existing projects
• Prepare technical evaluations, draft reports, memos, and letters with recommendations for management and clients
• Attend client meetings and participate in design charrettes, workshops, and value engineering studies
• Prepare valuations of work in progress from contractor draw requests
• Perform other cost‑related tasks as directed by the supervisor, including review of estimates prepared by others
• Assist with training and mentoring of junior staff
• Contribute to team performance through collaboration and effective communication

Qualifications

• Minimum 4‑year college degree in Construction Management, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating or an equivalent technical qualification
• 5–10 years of experience in construction cost estimating across program, conceptual, schematic, design development and construction document stages, with a breadth of building types
• Some MEP estimating experience preferred; AACE International or Certified Cost Professional designation preferred
• Strong knowledge of cost management services, planning, organization and communication skills
• Proficiency in industry estimating software and Microsoft Office

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Indoor office environment; occasional site visits required
• Use of computers and standard office equipment
• Workstation tasks include computer work and telephone communication; occasional ladder use

Benefits

General benefits information can be found on the RLB Careers Page: Construction Management Jobs | RLB Americas.

Equal Opportunity Employer

RLB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices based on race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items.