Senior Capital Projects Cost & Controls Lead

cw; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 111,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushman & Wakefield is recruiting a Lead Cost Manager to serve as the project controls lead for large, complex capital programs. You will coordinate cost management activities, partner with clients and leadership, and drive integrated cost strategies from initiation through closeout.

The role demands a senior professional with eight-plus years in cost management, strong Excel and software skills, and proven ability to guide multi-disciplinary teams while delivering strategic cost insights and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field.
• 8+ years of cost management experience on capital projects, including design, construction, and testing/commissioning.
• Experience leading cost management workstreams on large, complex, or high-risk projects.
• Direct experience in complex, matrixed project environments with multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise with cost management software and advanced Excel capabilities.
• Experience in construction, life sciences, data centers, industrial, or related sectors.
• Proven ability to interact with clients and senior project stakeholders with strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Act as the project controls lead for large-scale, complex, or high-risk capital projects and serve as the primary contact for cost management.
• Establish and lead cost management programs, tools, technologies, processes, and procedures.
• Coordinate and integrate inputs from contractors, consultants, engineering teams, and third parties into a unified cost plan.
• Lead cost management workstreams across multiple phases, ensuring compliance with standards.
• Interface with client stakeholders, project managers, and teams to provide strategic cost guidance.
• Identify, analyze, and communicate cost risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies to leadership.
• Drive detailed cost trend, variance, and performance analyses to inform decisions.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, accruals, and cash flow reporting on a monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly cadence.
• Support risk management processes including quantitative assessments and contingencies.
• Develop, validate, and maintain project estimates throughout the lifecycle.
• Lead value engineering and cost optimization initiatives aligned with project objectives.
• Mentor junior project controls staff and support governance frameworks.

Skills

Cost management

Project controls

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field

Tools

Excel

Cost management software

Project controls tools

Job description

Cushman & Wakefield is recruiting a Lead Cost Manager to serve as the project controls lead for large, complex capital programs. You will coordinate cost management activities, partner with clients and leadership, and drive integrated cost strategies from initiation through closeout.

The role demands a senior professional with eight-plus years in cost management, strong Excel and software skills, and proven ability to guide multi-disciplinary teams while delivering strategic cost insights and