Cost Manager – Commercial Real Estate Construction

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Provide cost planning and commercial management services for workplace, retail, manufacturing, and technical projects.

• Develop cost estimates and cost plans from initial concept to project close-out for tenant improvements, remodels, and new constructions.

• Conduct quantity takeoffs using Bluebeam and pricing according to CSI MasterFormat standards.

• Create and sustain parametric and hybrid cost models.

• Contribute coded data to the benchmarking database.

• Oversee bid leveling and analyze bids from general contractors and subcontractors.

• Assess scope, normalize exclusions and allowances, and provide recommendations.

• Evaluate contractor pricing against estimates, historical data, and market intelligence.

• Facilitate value engineering by identifying alternatives with quantified cost and schedule impacts.

• Review change orders for entitlement, scope, and pricing accuracy.

• Manage change, purchase order, and pay application registers.

• Reconcile pay applications with approved values and on-site work.

• Prepare cash flow, accrual, and estimate-at-completion forecasts.

• Identify and escalate potential commercial risks.

• Present cost and risk assessments to client project teams.

• Contribute valuable data and insights to portfolio capital planning and program reporting.

• Maintain organized templates, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), and cost code systems.

• Create reusable templates and checklists.

• Document methods, assumptions, and lessons learned throughout the projects.

• Assist in onboarding and reviewing analysts.

• Implement client contract provisions and financial policies, including SOX controls where applicable.

⛳️ Requirements

• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in construction management, architectural engineering, quantity surveying, or a related discipline.

• Three to six years of relevant experience required.

• In the absence of a degree, a combination of experience and education will be taken into account.

• Practical experience in construction estimating and commercial administration is necessary.

• Familiarity with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bid leveling, subcontract and change order reviews, and management of submittals and procurement logs.

• Experience on the contractor side for tenant improvement and renovation projects is essential.

• Working knowledge of CSI MasterFormat, change order processes, contingency planning, and basic cash flow forecasting.

• Willingness to gain proficiency in GMP reconciliation, escalation, and AACE estimate classification.

• Capability to read and apply contract documents and verify proposed modifications against drawings, specifications, and field conditions.

• Proficiency in Bluebeam and Excel, including creating formula-driven estimates.

• Familiarity with Viewpoint, Building Connected, or Procore is advantageous.

• Interest in Python, BI tools, or AI-assisted analysis is considered a plus.

• Must be organized and detail-oriented.

• Comfort in leading meetings and ensuring follow-up actions with project stakeholders.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

• Judgment to escalate inquiries or concerns to senior colleagues is essential.

• Progress toward obtaining CCP, MRICS, or PMP certifications is encouraged.

🏝️ Benefits

• Potential for bonuses.

• Comprehensive benefits package available.

• Healthy, productive, and flexible work environment.

• Support for work-life balance.

• Commitment to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace.

• Confidentiality of applicant information is maintained.