Senior Cost Manager (Owner's Representative)

Fortiva; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading owner's representative firm in Chicago seeks a Senior Cost Manager to support various commercial fit-out projects. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years of experience in cost management, strong knowledge of construction processes, and exceptional communication skills. Responsibilities include managing estimates, overseeing contracts, and mentoring junior staff. This role offers a salary between $130,000 to $150,000 plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in cost management, estimating, or quantity surveying.
• Strong understanding of construction processes and financial management principles.
• Proven experience managing project budgets and costs effectively.

Responsibilities

• Put together estimates, cost plans, and reports.
• Oversee requisition process and contract reviews.
• Manage multiple projects of varying complexity and deliver presentations.

Skills

Cost management

Estimating

Financial management

Construction processes

Negotiation

Education

Cost management certifications such as RICS, AACE, or similar

Job description

Job Title: Cost Manager (TI's and Commercial Fit Out)

Location: Chicago, IL

Salary: $130,000 to $150,000 plus benefits

Fortiva are delighted to be partnering with an Owner's Representative firm in Chicago to help recruit them a new Senior Cost Manager. Supporting a diverse range of projects across the city of Chicago with Build Out, Commercial Fit Out and TI's for a bespoke range of clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Put together estimates, cost plans, RFP’s, cost reports, cash flows, risk registers and value engineering reports.
• Oversee requisition process including lien waiver management and TI reimbursements.
• Regular contract review to ensure it is performing.
• Manage and perform industry benchmarking include identification of suitable peer projects.
• Help mentor junior staff in the development of documentation.
• Manage multiple projects of varying complexity in various stages, or large/complex marque projects on a full time commitment.
• Deliver presentations to clients, stakeholders and other relevant parties.
• Produce estimates in a timely manner with developed a understanding of market rates and overall cost economics that require minimal adjustments, including the ability to manage design.
• Ensuring that projects are delivered on time and to a high specification.

Key Requirements:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in cost management, estimating, or quantity surveying, preferably within the construction, real estate, or development sectors.
• Strong understanding of construction processes, cost structures, and financial management principles.
• Proven experience working with developers, general contractors, and design teams to manage project budgets and costs effectively.
• Expertise in project cost control, change order management, and cost reporting.
• Ability to evaluate project risks and provide actionable solutions to clients.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to analyze complex financial data and make sound decisions.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Cost management certifications such as RICS, AACE, or similar are preferred.

If interested please send your resume to [e-mail] and we can schedule an informal virtual brew in to discuss further.