MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Director to support complex construction and real estate projects in the Chicago market.

This senior-level position is focused heavily on cost management and project controls, with responsibility for managing project costs through both pre-contract and post-contract phases. The ideal candidate will bring at least 10 years of experience in cost management, estimating, quantity surveying, project controls, or a closely related construction discipline.

This role will support multiple projects simultaneously and will require a strong understanding of construction methods, procurement, estimating, budgeting, risk management, change management, and project financial controls.

The successful candidate must also be highly client-facing and capable of delivering a polished, white-glove level of service to senior stakeholders. The position is expected to begin without direct reports but may evolve into a broader team leadership role as the program grows.

Key Responsibilities

Lead cost management and project controls activities across multiple concurrent construction projects.
Manage project costs throughout both pre-contract and post-contract phases.
Prepare detailed construction and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents.
Develop and maintain project budgets, cost plans, forecasts, cash flow projections, contingencies, and financial reports.
Perform conceptual estimating and AACE Level 1–5 cost evaluations.
Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and project documentation to develop accurate cost assessments.
Analyze and communicate current market pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
Utilize historical project data, published cost information, benchmarking tools, and market studies to support estimates and forecasts.
Provide value engineering analysis and design option reviews.
Identify opportunities to improve project value and control costs without compromising scope, quality, or performance.
Support procurement and tendering activities, including bid leveling, bid analysis, commercial evaluations, and contractor reconciliations.
Review contractor and subcontractor estimates, proposals, pricing, and qualifications.
Participate in contractor negotiations and commercial discussions.
Review change orders and assess proposed changes for scope alignment, cost impact, and overall project implications.
Support formal change management processes throughout the project lifecycle.
Track commitments, expenditures, forecasts, allowances, contingencies, and overall project financial performance.
Identify risks that may affect cost, schedule, scope, or project delivery.
Develop and monitor appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
Coordinate with project managers, architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and client stakeholders to gather accurate project information.
Prepare detailed project cost reports, forecasts, and executive-level updates.
Present cost information, recommendations, and project status to internal and external stakeholders.
Conduct periodic project controls reviews and audits to identify deviations from established processes.
Identify budget variances and recommend corrective actions.
Support project teams in implementing lessons learned and cost management best practices.
Stay current on construction market conditions, escalation trends, industry practices, and emerging project controls methodologies.
Apply subject matter expertise to improve cost management processes, tools, reporting, and overall service delivery.
Maintain and strengthen client relationships through proactive, clear, and professional communication.
Navigate complex or sensitive conversations regarding budget, project changes, contractor performance, and commercial matters.
Provide a highly responsive, customer-focused level of service.
Support and mentor team members as the organization grows.
Contribute to identifying and attracting strong cost management and project controls talent.
Support business development efforts and the cultivation of existing and prospective client relationships as needed.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in:
- Quantity Surveying
- Construction Management
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Real Estate
- Related field
10+ years of experience as a Cost Manager, Senior Cost Manager, Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, Project Controls professional, or similar construction-focused role.
Extensive experience managing projects through both pre-contract and post-contract phases.
Strong background in construction cost management and estimating.
Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, labor, materials, equipment, and project delivery.
Ability to independently prepare and review detailed and conceptual construction estimates.
Experience developing and maintaining project budgets, cost plans, and forecasts.
Ability to perform AACE Level 1–5 cost evaluations.
Experience with procurement, tendering, bid analysis, contractor negotiations, and commercial reconciliation.
Experience reviewing contractor pricing, subcontractor pricing, and change orders.
Strong understanding of project cost forecasting, change management, risk management, and financial reporting.
Ability to evaluate incomplete or evolving design information and appropriately qualify assumptions and unknowns.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple large or complex projects simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong executive-level client-facing and stakeholder-management capabilities.
Ability to provide a professional, white-glove customer experience.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Ability and willingness to travel as required.
Must be a U.S. Citizen due to client requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional certification such as AACE, RICS, PMP, or similar industry credential.
Experience using CostX, On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable estimating and quantity takeoff software.
Experience utilizing construction cost databases and benchmarking tools.
Experience supporting large-scale commercial real estate, capital improvement, industrial, or complex construction programs.
Previous leadership, mentoring, or team-development experience.
Experience producing market intelligence, case studies, benchmarking reports, or other client-facing cost management deliverables.