Construction Cost Manager

The Construction Cost Manager will work within the Project Controls / Cost Management function and will report directly to the Project Director and/or Senior Project Manager. The Cost Manager is responsible for overall project cost management, including setup and oversight of job cost reporting, monthly forecasting (EAC), change management and leading a team of 5-10 Cost Engineers.  The Cost Manager plays a key role in maintaining pace of construction and ensuring that subcontractor proposals are validated and approved in a timely manner.  This role serves as the primary cost interface with clients, owners, subcontractors, and internal project leadership, and provides direct oversight to Cost Engineers. This position will be fully onsite at our office in either Portland, OR or Seattle, WA.

Salary: $100,000 to $160,000 DOE + Incentives

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Cost Management & Reporting

• Establish and maintain project job cost reports, including budgets, commitments, forecasts (EAC), contingencies, allowances, yet‑to‑buys, and actual costs.

• Oversee monthly cost report preparation, review, and reconciliation prior to internal and external distribution.

• Ensure consistency and accuracy of cost data across all project cost control tools and reports.

• Track and manage costs by bid package, field order, and client-defined change categories.

Forecasting & Financial Controls

• Prepare and manage monthly project forecasts (EAC), identifying cost trends, risks, and opportunities.

• Partner with Project Managers and Project Directors to align cost forecasts with project status and recovery plans.

• Manage contingency usage and provide recommendations for cost risk mitigation.

Change Management

• Lead change order management and validation, including scope review, pricing validation, and contractual compliance.

• Review and approve subcontractor change proposals, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project requirements.

• Maintain owner and subcontractor change logs and ensure timely incorporation into project forecasts.

Subcontractor & Client Interface

• Work directly with subcontractors, vendors, and consultants to validate pricing and resolve cost-related issues.

• Serve as the primary externally facing cost representative to clients and owners during financial reviews and meetings.

• Support negotiation and resolution of cost-related matters while maintaining professional relationships.

Team Leadership & Support

• Provide oversight and direction to Cost Engineers, including review of cost reports, takeoffs, and authorization packages.

• Ensure Cost Engineers follow standardized cost control procedures and reporting requirements.

• Support project closeout activities, including final cost reconciliation and subcontract closeout.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field

• 10+ years of experience in construction cost management, project controls, or estimating within a general contractor environment

• Strong understanding of construction cost reporting, forecasting, and change management

• Experience working directly with Project Managers, Project Directors, subcontractors, and owners

• Proficiency in cost control and reporting systems (CMiC, Procore, Excel, etc.)