Senior Cost Manager

ABOUT SAVILLS

Savills is an organization full of extraordinary individuals. Brilliant people who are driven to succeed, hungry to remain at the forefront of their specialties, and eager to propel themselves, our clients, and our business forward. We are one of the preeminent commercial real estate firms with services ranging from tenant representation and project management to workplace strategy and occupant experience - showcasing the breadth and depth of our expertise.

Find your place to thrive.

No matter the role you're in, we all share one purpose: to help people thrive through places and spaces. The DNA ingrained in our business guides us on this mission, shaping the way we behave to deliver the best results. When you join Savills, our ask for you is simple:

Be extraordinary, together.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to help lead cost management for a diverse and complex portfolio of real estate and construction projects within the Savills Program & Project Management (PPM) group. This role is suited to an established professional who can take full ownership of cost outcomes across the project lifecycle, act as a trusted advisor to clients, and mentor junior team members, while working alongside Directors and senior leadership on high-value, high-visibility initiatives.

You will take the lead on cost strategy, procurement, and project controls for one or more projects, serving as the primary point of contact for clients on all cost-related matters. The position offers significant autonomy, direct accountability for project financial performance, and the opportunity to help shape the growth of the cost management practice, including contributing to business development, staff development, and the continued refinement of firm-wide cost management standards.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Construction, Estimating & Procurement

• Lead the development of cost estimates and cost models across all design phases, taking ownership of accuracy, methodology, and defensibility of assumptions
• Direct the preparation and continuous refinement of cost models, budget baselines, and early-phase cost planning strategy, advising clients on cost-risk trade-offs at each design milestone
• Own the procurement strategy for assigned projects, including vendor prequalification, bid package structuring, bid leveling, and contractor/consultant selection recommendations
• Lead value engineering exercises, driving cost optimization strategies and presenting recommendations directly to clients and project leadership
• Critically evaluate contractor and consultant pricing submissions, identifying risk, scope gaps, and commercial exposure, and negotiate resolutions
• Lead GMP reviews and commercial evaluations, independently identifying issues and negotiating outcomes on the client's behalf

Cost Management & Project Controls

• Own the accuracy, integrity, and client presentation of project cost reports, including budgets, forecasts, and cash flows across multiple concurrent projects
• Lead the change order process end-to-end, including negotiation strategy and final resolution of cost and scope impacts
• Establish and maintain risk registers, proactively identifying cost exposures and developing mitigation strategies
• Set cost control workflows and documentation standards for assigned projects, ensuring consistency and audit-readiness
• Oversee contingency management and cost tracking tools, advising clients on drawdown strategy and exposure

Project Coordination & Client Support

• Serve as the primary cost management point of contact for clients, building and maintaining senior client relationships
• Lead client and project meetings, presenting cost positions, risk exposure, and recommendations with authority
• Direct the preparation of cost plans, estimate summaries, and executive-level reporting materials
• Coordinate and align cost strategy with project managers, design teams, and contractors, resolving cost-related conflicts
• Lead design reviews, proactively identifying and communicating cost impacts and alternatives to the design team and client
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior cost management staff, reviewing their work product and supporting their professional development

Post-Contract & Closeout

• Lead financial closeout activities and final account negotiations, ensuring favorable and well-documented outcomes for clients
• Direct the preparation of lessons learned and project cost summaries, translating findings into actionable recommendations for future projects
• Champion benchmarking and historical cost database development, contributing to firm-wide cost intelligence and best practices

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of progressive experience in cost management, estimating, or quantity surveying, including experience leading cost management on complex projects
• Advanced understanding of construction industry practices, delivery methods, and procurement strategies across project types and contract structures
• Demonstrated ability to independently interpret and critically assess drawings, specifications, and scopes of work
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and industry-standard takeoff/estimating tools, with the ability to develop custom cost models and analyses
• Strong negotiation, leadership, and client-management skills, with a track record of managing senior client relationships
• Ability to independently manage multiple complex assignments and competing priorities with minimal oversight
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to senior client and executive stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience mentoring, training, or supervising junior cost management staff

PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Architecture, or related field
• Professional accreditation (RICS, AACE, CCP, or equivalent) held or in active pursuit
• Extensive experience across a variety of sectors, such as higher-education, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, corporate interiors, retail, industrial and manufacturing.
• Advanced familiarity with tools such as Procore, Bluebeam, or similar platforms
• Significant prior experience in client-facing or consulting environments, with a demonstrated ability to grow client accounts

This role requires being in our New York City office or on a client site Monday–Thursday. Friday is remote unless project needs require otherwise.

Savills values a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Savills participates in the E-Verify program.