Senior Cost Manager

Rider Levett Bucknall RLB; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) in New York seeks a Senior Cost Manager to lead cost planning and commercial activities across diverse projects. The role emphasizes cost control, accurate reporting, and strong client collaboration with opportunities to add value throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has solid construction cost management experience, can guide teams, and deliver tailored financial solutions while supporting project objectives and outcomes.

Qualifications

• 4-year college degree in Construction Management, Structural/Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating or equivalent.
• 5+ years of relevant construction cost estimating experience across building types.
• Knowledge of cost management, planning, and project controls; strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management and quantity surveying across all project phases.
• Develop and maintain budgets, cost plans, and bid documentation.
• Perform value engineering and cost analysis for efficient delivery.
• Manage procurement, bidding, and contractor negotiations.
• Track costs, change orders, cash flow, and forecasting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare cost reports and financial updates for clients and stakeholders.
• Provide commercial guidance and identify risks and opportunities.
• Mentor junior staff and support team development.

Skills

Cost Management

Quantity Surveying

Budgeting

Value Engineering

Contract Negotiation

Stakeholder Communication

Mentoring

Education

Construction Management Degree

Structural Engineering Degree

Architectural Engineering Degree

Cost Estimating Certification

Tools

Estimating Software

MS Office

Job description

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.

Title

Senior Cost Manager

Reporting to

Office Director

Salary Range

$130,000 - $170,000

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.

Truth. Trust. Together. Tomorrow.

At RLB, we speak the truth, build for the long term, look out for each other and work to do good. We are driven by outcomes, creating tailored solutions that deliver successful projects. We believe that when we bring together the right people doing things the right way, we make progress for our clients and our communities.

RLB is an award-winning international firm, known for providing property and construction consultancy advice at all stages of the construction cycle. Utilizing its many years of experience and professionally trained employees, RLB continues to firmly establish itself as one of the major players in the construction industry throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Oceania. Our employees are involved in a variety of projects across a range of sectors, from sports arenas and healthcare to higher education and convention centers.

As a privately held company, we hire the best people, give them exceptional training, and provide extensive opportunities for professional growth while working on exciting projects while providing an excellent compensation and benefits package.

Essential Functions

• Lead and provide cost management and quantity surveying services across all project phases, from pre-construction through project closeout.
• Develop and maintain cost estimates, project budgets, cost plans, and bid documentation throughout the design and construction phases.
• 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.