Director of Project Controls Cost Management

MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Director of Project Controls / Cost Management to support complex construction and real estate programs in New York City.

This senior-level position will be heavily focused on cost management and project controls including both pre-contract and post-contract project activities. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience managing construction costs estimating procurement change management risk and project financial performance.

This position requires a strong understanding of construction methods project delivery real estate markets and cost management practices. The successful candidate must also be highly client-facing and capable of delivering a polished white-glove level of service to senior stakeholders.

The role will initially operate as an individual contributor with no direct reports; however it is expected to develop into a broader leadership position as the team and program grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project controls and cost management activities across multiple simultaneous projects including large-scale and complex construction programs.

• Manage projects through 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 and financial reporting.

• Perform conceptual estimating and AACE Level 15 cost evaluations.

• Analyze construction drawings specifications scopes of work and project documentation to accurately determine anticipated costs.

• Develop a strong understanding of local market pricing for labor materials equipment and subcontractor services.

• Utilize published cost data historical project information benchmarking tools and market studies to support cost recommendations.

• Lead value engineering exercises and design option reviews to identify opportunities to improve project value and control costs.

• Support procurement and tendering processes including bid leveling bid analysis contractor evaluations and commercial reconciliations.

• Review contractor and subcontractor proposals for completeness accuracy and alignment with project scope.

• Review change orders and support formal change management processes.

• Determine whether proposed changes fall within the original project scope and assess the cost and schedule impact of changes.

• Identify project risks that could affect cost schedule scope or overall project delivery.

• Develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies and monitor implementation throughout the project lifecycle.

• Coordinate with project managers design teams contractors consultants and client stakeholders to gather project information and maintain accurate reporting.

• Generate project status cost risk and progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.

• Present cost information recommendations forecasts and project findings to senior client stakeholders.

• Conduct project controls and cost management audits to identify deviations from established procedures.

• Support lessons-learned initiatives and implementation of project controls best practices across future projects.

• Maintain a detailed understanding of construction techniques technology market conditions and industry trends.

• Effectively manage client expectations through clear proactive and concise communication.

• Develop trusted relationships with clients and become a strategic advisor regarding project cost risk and commercial matters.

• Support strategic initiatives designed to improve project controls and cost management processes.

• Contribute subject matter expertise to broader project controls and cost management teams.

• Mentor and support team members as the organization and account grow.

• Participate in recruiting developing and retaining high-performing project controls and cost management professionals.

• Support business development activities and the cultivation of existing and prospective client relationships.

• Assist with the development of case studies market intelligence benchmarking data and other client-facing deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution preferably in:

  • Quantity Surveying

  • Construction Management

  • Architecture

  • Engineering

  • Real Estate

  • Related field

• 10 years of experience in cost management estimating quantity surveying project controls or a similar construction-related position.

• Significant experience managing projects through both pre-contract and post-contract phases .

• Strong construction cost management background.

• Extensive understanding of construction processes methods materials and project delivery.

• Ability to independently prepare and review detailed cost estimates and project budgets.

• Experience performing conceptual estimates and evaluating incomplete or evolving design information.

• Strong understanding of procurement tendering bid analysis and contractor negotiations.

• Experience reviewing change orders project changes and construction claims from a commercial perspective.

• Strong understanding of project financial controls forecasting risk management and reporting.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Exceptional client-facing and stakeholder-management capabilities.

• Ability to communicate effectively with senior executives project teams contractors designers and consultants.

• Strong customer-service mindset with the ability to provide a professional high-touch client experience.

• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25% based on project needs.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen due to client requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as AACE RICS PMP or similar industry credentials .

• Experience using CostX On-Screen Takeoff or comparable estimating and quantity takeoff software.

• Experience with construction benchmarking and estimating databases.

• Experience managing major corporate real estate commercial construction or capital improvement programs.

• Previous leadership mentoring or team-development experience.