Senior Construction Cost Strategist

Arcadis; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K

Paid holidays (9)

PTO 15 days

Job summary

Arcadis in Chicago is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead cost management for commercial real estate projects, guiding estimates through design, procurement, change management, and closeout.

You will review drawings, validate pricing, manage risk, report forecasts, and collaborate with clients, designers, contractors, and project teams to deliver value. Requires 8+ years of experience and a related Bachelor's degree. Travel and 3–4 days onsite per week in Chicago.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of construction cost management and/or estimating experience (commercial real estate preferred).
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Strong ability to interpret drawings and technical documentation for cost forecasting.
• Experience reviewing contractor/subcontractor pricing and reconciliations.

Responsibilities

• Lead recurring cost reviews and support decision-making with clients and teams.
• Evaluate change orders, monitor cost trends, and support negotiations.
• Prepare reports, variance analyses, dashboards, and forecasts for stakeholders.
• Review drawings and specifications to confirm project scope and cost.
• Collaborate with project management, design, contractor, and client teams on budgeting.

Skills

Cost estimation

Contractor pricing

Value engineering

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Arcadis in Chicago is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead cost management for commercial real estate projects, guiding estimates through design, procurement, change management, and closeout.

You will review drawings, validate pricing, manage risk, report forecasts, and collaborate with clients, designers, contractors, and project teams to deliver value. Requires 8+ years of experience and a related Bachelor's degree. Travel and 3–4 days onsite per week in Chicago.