Senior Cost Manager

Rider Levett Bucknall RLB; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 105,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rider Levett Bucknall in Honolulu, HI seeks a Senior Cost Manager to oversee project costs from pre-construction through closeout, ensuring robust cost control and accurate reporting.

The candidate will lead cost planning, provide commercial guidance to clients and teams, and identify value opportunities across diverse project types. 4-year degree and 5+ years of experience are required; a proactive, client-focused approach is essential.

Qualifications

• 4-year college degree in Construction Management, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating or equivalent recognized technical qualification.
• Minimum experience of 5+ years in construction cost estimating for various building types across design stages.
• Knowledge of cost management services, planning, organization, and communication; proficiency with industry-estimating software and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management and quantity surveying services across all project phases, from pre-construction through project closeout.
• Perform value engineering and cost analysis to support efficient project delivery and alignment with project budgets.
• Provide cost advice during design development and ensure design decisions remain aligned with approved project budgets.
• Manage procurement and bidding processes, including preparation of bid packages, bid evaluations, and recommendations for contractor award.
• Track and manage project costs, including change orders, cost reporting, project cash flow, and financial forecasting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare regular cost reports and financial updates for clients and project stakeholders.
• Review and evaluate contractors, change order requests and negotiate cost impacts where required.
• Review and process contractor and consultant pay applications and ensure compliance with contract terms.
• Assist in the preparation, negotiation, and agreement of final accounts and project closeout documentation.
• Provide commercial and financial guidance to clients and project teams to support informed decision-making.

Skills

Cost estimation

Value engineering

Contract negotiation

Project cost management

Stakeholder communication

Budgeting

MS Office

Estimating software

Education

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

Tools

Estimation software

MS Excel

Project controls software

Job description

The proposed compensation range for this position is: $105,000 - $160,000. The offered rate of pay will be based on work location, individual education, skills, qualifications, and experience level.

The proposed compensation range for this position is: $105,000 - $160,000. The offered rate of pay will be based on work location, individual education, skills, qualifications, and experience level.

Title: Senior Cost Manager

Reporting to: Office Director

Overview of Role

The Senior Cost Manager is responsible for managing project costs across all stages of construction, ensuring effective cost control, accurate reporting, and strong client collaboration. The successful candidate will bring solid experience in construction cost management and the ability to lead cost planning and commercial activities on a range of project types. The Senior Cost Manager should have the ability to identify opportunities within a project that will add value and help successfully accomplish the client ’ s desired project outcome.

Essential Functions

Quantity Surveying - if your experience falls under this specialty, your duties will include:

• Lead and provide cost management and quantity surveying services across all project phases, from pre-construction through project closeout.
• Perform value engineering and cost analysis to support efficient project delivery and alignment with project budgets.
• Provide cost advice during design development and ensure design decisions remain aligned with approved project budgets.
• Manage procurement and bidding processes, including preparation of bid packages, bid evaluations, and recommendations for contractor award.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, contractor negotiations, and contract award processes.
• Track and manage project costs, including change orders, cost reporting, project cash flow, and financial forecasting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare regular cost reports and financial updates for clients and project stakeholders.
• Review and evaluate contractors, change order requests and negotiate cost impacts where required.
• Review and process contractor and consultant pay applications and ensure compliance with contract terms.
• Assist in the preparation, negotiation, and agreement of final accounts and project closeout documentation.
• Provide commercial and financial guidance to clients and project teams to support informed decision-making.
• Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, contractors, designers, and internal teams.
• Ensure cost management processes align with company standards, project controls procedures, and client requirements.
• Support, guide, and mentor junior staff while contributing to team development, training, and knowledge sharing.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a positive proactive approach to the role and will be committed to delivering customer service excellence.

• Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required: 4-year college degree in Construction Management, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating or equivalent recognized technical qualification.
• Minimum Experience required: 5+ years ’ relevant experience in construction cost estimating of a variety of building types from program, conceptual, schematic, design development and construction document stages of design in elemental and CSI format for all architectural, structural, and civil components of new construction and renovation projects. Some MEP estimating experience preferred. AACE International and/or Certified Cost Professional preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of execution of cost management services; good planning, organization, and communication skills essential. Understanding of technical and non-technical documents related to cost management services required. Knowledge and use of industry-estimating software and Microsoft Office software programs.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Indoor office environment. May require work on site location when necessary.
• Equipment used includes computers and standard office machines.
• Essential physical tasks include: the ability to work on a computer and the ability to answer and speak on a telephone.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.