Project Manager (Cost Manager)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Project Manager Cost Management (Non-IT) Job Description

This contract-to-hire role focuses on leading project controls and cost management across multiple construction and real estate projects. You will manage budgets, schedules, risks, and client relationships while providing white-glove service and high-quality project delivery. The initial engagement runs approximately three months (about 481 hours), with the intention to convert to a permanent position based on performance. The role involves a strong emphasis on pre- and post-contract cost management, detailed estimating, and strategic leadership of complex programs and projects.

• Lead project controls for multiple concurrent projects, including large-scale and complex construction and real estate engagements.
• Manage and control project schedules, budgets, and risks throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Partner with cross-functional team members to execute complex projects through all stages, from conceptual design to final delivery.
• Prepare detailed and accurate construction and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents.
• Understand and communicate local market pricing for materials, labor, and equipment using published documents, historical data, and market studies.
• Provide value engineering services and review design options to optimize cost, schedule, and quality outcomes.
• Identify and analyze potential risks that may impact project deliverables, timelines, or budgets, and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor the implementation of risk mitigation plans and adjust strategies as project conditions change.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to gather data and provide accurate and timely project status updates.
• Prepare bid analyses and participate in reconciliations with contractors and subcontractors.
• Generate project progress reports and present findings to internal and external stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Conduct periodic project audits to identify deviations from established project control processes and recommend corrective actions.
• Review change orders and support change management by assessing whether changes fall within the scope of the base work.
• Collaborate with project teams to capture lessons learned and implement best practices on current and future projects.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices related to project controls, cost management, and construction methodologies.
• Apply subject matter expertise to support a global community of practice and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Successfully perform leadership responsibilities, including communication, relationship management, and team guidance.
• Contribute to identifying and attracting top talent to support growth and project delivery needs.
• Manage the strategy and operations of one or more programs and/or complex projects, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives.
• Mentor, develop, and oversee team members and direct reports as the role evolves into a formal leadership position.
• Serve as Team Lead for complex projects, driving successful implementation and introducing innovative concepts to enhance service quality.
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships by managing fiduciary responsibilities and providing high-level client service.
• Navigate difficult and complex client conversations with professionalism and tact.
• Be accountable for client service on assigned projects and those led by your team or direct reports.
• Drive the successful development and implementation of profit and loss (P&L) team strategies that align with the broader project development services (PDS) business strategy.
• Develop and implement best practices that enhance the firms project controls and cost management capabilities.
• Attend and participate in local and regional industry conferences to positively influence the reputation and public image of the business and your professional brand.
• Source new and cultivate existing client and business relationships, lead or support pursuit strategies, and help secure new business opportunities.
• Maintain advanced subject matter expertise on industry-specific requirements and their impact on the design and construction of work.
• Obtain and maintain industry-recognized credentials and certifications relevant to project controls and cost management.
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and media engagements as a content contributor when needed.
• Effectively manage client and on-account team expectations through clear, concise, and proactive communication.
• Engage with PDS leadership appropriately and escalate issues or risks when necessary.
• Stay informed on changes to PDS processes, systems, and reporting, and contribute to strategic client initiatives.
• Adhere to revenue generation requirements in line with the expectations of the PDS business and your role.
• Aggregate and translate project outputs into marketable deliverables such as case studies, white papers, and quarterly metrics.
• Use established procedures to solve routine or standard problems and perform structured work assignments with consistency.
• Receive and apply instruction, guidance, and direction from senior-level roles while progressively increasing independence.

• Extensive pure cost management experience covering both pre-contract and post-contract project phases.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project cost management, estimating, or a closely related project controls role.
• Strong project management experience with a focus on project controls, including schedule, budget, and risk management.
• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Deep understanding of construction techniques, construction technology, and real estate markets.
• Ability to generate AACE Level 15 cost evaluations, including conceptual estimating and qualification of unknowns.
• Proficiency with estimating software and benchmarking tools used in construction cost management.
• Conceptual knowledge of theories, practices, and procedures within project cost management and project controls.
• Demonstrated competence in performing structured work assignments using established processes.
• Ability to use existing procedures to solve routine or standard problems with accuracy and consistency.
• Strong client-facing skills with a demonstrated ability to deliver white-glove service and excellent customer service.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present to key stakeholders and manage complex conversations.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail for cost analysis, risk assessment, and reporting.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to understand construction drawings, specifications, and related documentation to support cost and project control activities.
• Capability to receive guidance and direction from senior-level roles while contributing independently.
• Experience with project management, construction, project coordination, construction management, design, and RFIs.

• At least 10 years of experience as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or in a similar project controls role.
• Knowledge of Cost-X, On-Screen Takeoff, or other construction estimating software tools.
• Professional certification in project management or cost management, such as AACE or RICS, or a strong desire to obtain such credentials.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a focus on practical, data-driven solutions.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with procurement and tendering processes, including bid analysis and contractor negotiations.
• Experience aggregating and translating project data into case studies, white papers, and performance metrics.
• Experience mentoring or coaching team members and contributing to talent development is a plus.
• Comfort representing the organization at industry events, conferences, or as a subject matter expert.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain industry-recognized credentials and certifications relevant to project controls and cost management.

This role is offered as a contract-to-hire position, with an initial engagement of approximately three months (around 481 hours) and a strong intention to transition to a permanent role based on performance and business needs. The standard work schedule is generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position involves an element of travel, with an anticipated travel requirement of around 25%, which may fluctuate based on project demands. At least one location requires a predominantly onsite presence, with a minimum of four days per week expected on site. You will work in a professional, fast-paced environment focused on construction and real estate projects, collaborating closely with project teams, clients, contractors, and stakeholders. The role relies heavily on modern project controls and estimating tools, including specialized estimating software, benchmarking tools, and standard project management systems. You will participate in internal and external meetings, site visits, and industry conferences as needed. The environment emphasizes high-quality client service, clear communication, and adherence to established project development services processes and reporting standards. Professional business attire or appropriate site-ready clothing may be required depending on whether you are in the office, at client meetings, or on active construction sites.

This is a Contract position based out of Poughkeepsie, NY.

The pay range for this position is $90.00 - $90.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Poughkeepsie,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.