Senior Cost Manager

MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to support a large-scale construction project in Houston, TX. This role will be responsible for developing construction estimates, performing quantity takeoffs, managing project cost controls, evaluating scope and change orders, and providing clear cost analysis to client and project stakeholders.

This position requires more than traditional budget tracking or cost administration. The Senior Cost Manager will be directly responsible for creating detailed project estimates and quantifying construction scope from conceptual design through final construction documents.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in construction estimating, architecture, civil engineering, quantity surveying, engineering, or construction management , along with excellent communication skills and the ability to work directly with clients, contractors, consultants, and project leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed and accurate construction cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and cost quantification based on architectural, civil, structural, and building system drawings.
• Develop conceptual estimates, milestone estimates, feasibility studies, and project budget evaluations.
• Support cost management activities for a large, complex construction project.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders to establish, maintain, and track project budgets.
• Prepare and maintain project cost control reports, forecasts, and financial tracking documentation.
• Track actual and projected costs against approved project budgets.
• Review scopes of work to ensure appropriate detail, identify potential gaps, and confirm all anticipated costs are accounted for.
• Research local market pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
• Utilize historical project data, published cost information, benchmarking tools, and market studies to develop accurate estimates.
• Perform value engineering evaluations and provide cost analysis for design alternatives.
• Review contractor and subcontractor bids and participate in bid leveling and cost reconciliations.
• Review and evaluate change orders for scope alignment, accuracy, and cost reasonableness.
• Support project change management and determine whether proposed changes fall within the original scope of work.
• Identify risks that may impact project costs, schedules, or overall project delivery.
• Develop and support implementation of appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
• Review architectural drawings, specifications, and project documentation for cost and scope implications.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to gather information and provide accurate and timely project status updates.
• Communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, risks, and recommendations clearly to clients and project teams.
• Lead cost management activities and coordinate effectively with internal and external project stakeholders.
• Support estimating standards, lessons learned, and cost management best practices throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience as a Construction Estimator, Cost Manager, Quantity Surveyor, or similar construction cost professional.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field .
• Demonstrated experience creating original construction estimates and performing quantity takeoffs .
• Experience developing construction estimates from conceptual design through final construction documentation.
• Strong working knowledge of architectural drawings, construction documents, specifications, and planning concepts.
• Ability to generate AACE Level 1–5 cost estimates .
• Ability to develop estimates when project information is conceptual, incomplete, or evolving.
• Experience utilizing construction estimating software and benchmarking tools.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labor requirements, sequencing, and associated costs.
• Experience researching and applying local market pricing for labor, materials, and equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong client-facing capabilities with the ability to clearly explain detailed cost information.
• Ability to interact professionally with executive-level stakeholders, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and client representatives.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to lead project activities and coordinate multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CostX, On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable construction estimating software .
• Professional certification such as AACE, RICS, or another relevant cost/project management credential .
• Intermediate to expert proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Smartsheet .
• Strong understanding of architectural and building systems, including MEPFS systems .
• Experience with procurement, bid solicitation, tendering, and contractor selection processes.
• Experience performing value engineering and design option cost studies.
• Experience supporting large-scale capital construction projects.
• Knowledge of Houston-area construction markets, labor, and material pricing.
• Architectural, civil engineering, construction management, or quantity surveying background.