Capital Projects Cost Analyst

Capital Projects Cost AnalystThe Capital Projects Cost Analyst is responsible for capital budgeting, construction cost estimating, financial modeling, and budget tracking across Crane Worldwide Logistics' active real estate construction and buildout portfolio. This role develops preliminary project cost estimates, builds and maintains capital budget models, monitors budget performance and contingency, and identifies cost variances and emerging financial risks for leadership review. The analyst also supports contract routing, contractor invoice review, and lease-related reimbursements. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience developing capital or construction cost models, advanced Excel skills, and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights. This is a specialized project cost analysis role, not a general FP&A position.Essential Job FunctionsBuild and maintain capital budget models for active construction and buildout projects using the department's established multi-tab financial modeling structure.Develop preliminary, pre-construction cost estimates for leadership and customer review before final contractor or trade pricing is available.Organize and evaluate cost assumptions, estimates, and supporting inputs to develop reasonable preliminary project budgets.Track budget contingency separately from hard costs and identify projects at risk of exhausting contingency, escalating concerns early enough to support corrective action.Record and track cost changes, reconciling revised estimates and pricing against original budgets and approved changes.Monitor actual and projected project costs, identify variances, and communicate financial risks and emerging cost pressures.Consolidate budget status, forecasted costs, contingency, and financial risks across the active project portfolio for regular leadership reporting.Maintain the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of financial models, assumptions, formulas, and supporting data as projects progress.Partner with Real Estate and project stakeholders to clarify cost inputs, investigate discrepancies, and support informed financial decisions.Contracts & Vendor Payment SupportCoordinate contract routing for Legal review and track agreements through execution.Review contractor invoices against contractual terms, approved budgets, and applicable project cost allocations before payment processing.Process and code vendor invoices accurately to the appropriate project and budget line.Review lease provisions to determine landlord reimbursement obligations and prepare supporting calculations and billing documentation.Maintain organized financial and contractual records to support accurate reporting and audit readiness.Physical RequirementsTalking, hearing and using hands to operate computer equipmentVision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focusJob may require extended sitting or standing, use of standard office equipment.Job will require punctual attendance and regular presence on-site at the assigned work location.Required QualificationsAt least two years of hands-on experience in capital project budgeting, construction cost estimating, construction cost accounting, or real estate finance.Demonstrated ability to independently build and maintain multi-tab financial models in Microsoft Excel, including cross-sheet formulas, cost assumptions, budget tracking, and variance analysis.Experience developing preliminary project cost estimates and reconciling changes against established budgets.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify cost variances, assess budget risks, and investigate discrepancies.Ability to explain financial information, assumptions, and variances clearly to stakeholders without a finance background.Strong attention to detail and a commitment to financial accuracy and data integrity.Ability to work on-site in Houston, Texas.Candidates should be able to describe the capital or construction budget models they have personally developed, including the types of projects supported, the complexity of the models, and their specific responsibilities.Preferred QualificationsThe following are beneficial but not required. Training will be provided where appropriate.Experience with Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud/Build, or similar construction project management platforms.Experience with contract administration, accounts payable, contractor billing, or lease administration.Experience supporting commercial, industrial, logistics, or warehouse real estate projects.Familiarity with cost-plus contracts, contractor disbursement fee structures, or similar construction payment arrangements.Experience preparing financial summaries and project portfolio reporting for leadershipEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Real Estate, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent relevant professional experience may be considered.Minimum of two years of relevant, hands-on experience in capital budgeting, construction cost estimating, construction cost accounting, or real estate finance.Application Process & Technical AssessmentBecause this position requires practical financial modeling skills, candidates who successfully complete the initial screening will be asked to complete a short, timed Excel exercise.The exercise will involve building a one-tab project cost estimate using a set of sample assumptions similar to those encountered in the role. Candidates should expect the exercise to take approximately 30–45 minutes.The assessment is designed to evaluate practical modeling ability, accuracy, logical organization, and the application of cost assumptions. It is not intended to be a trick exercise.Candidates must complete the assessment to be considered for further evaluation. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as appropriate.As part of the application, candidates should include one or two sentences describing the most complex capital or construction budget model they have personally built, including the type of project and their role in developing it.Why Should You Work for Crane?At Crane, we believe in providing our employees with excellent benefits at a Great Place to Work.We offer:Quarterly Incentive Plan136 hours of Paid Time Off which equals 17 days for the year, that can be used for Sick Time or for Personal UseExcellent Medical, Dental and Vision benefitsTuition Reimbursement for education related to your jobEmployee Referral BonusesEmployee Recognition and Rewards ProgramPaid Volunteer Time to support a cause that is close to your heart and contributes to our communitiesEmployee DiscountsWellness Incentives that can go up to $100 per year for completing challenges, in addition to a discount on contribution ratesCome join the leader in logistics and take your career in the right direction.