Lead cost strategy and project controls for complex real estate developments across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, hospitality, and mixed-use properties. This role is responsible for managing full lifecycle cost planning, from early feasibility to construction closeout, ensuring financial accuracy and project alignment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain detailed cost estimates, milestone budgets, and forecasting models for new builds and renovations
- Lead value engineering sessions and design alternatives analysis to optimize project value
- Review and validate change orders, assessing scope alignment and financial impact
- Monitor actual expenditures against projections and deliver regular cost reporting
- Identify cost risks and support mitigation planning across project phases
- Collaborate with design and construction teams to interpret drawings and specifications for accurate estimating
- Conduct bid evaluations and contractor reconciliations
- Translate market data and historical benchmarks into reliable cost models
- Support procurement strategies and tender processes
- Ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements through documentation review
- Advise stakeholders on cost implications and deliver actionable insights
- Stay current with industry trends and contribute to process improvements in project controls
Qualifications
Applicants should have at least five years of experience in cost management, estimating, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management is required. Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings and planning documents is essential.
Must demonstrate strong analytical abilities, organizational discipline, and the capacity to communicate complex financial data clearly. Experience with AACE-level cost evaluations and conceptual estimating is expected. Leadership skills are critical, with proven ability to manage teams and client relationships effectively.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with Cost-X, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar estimating platforms
- Professional certification such as AACE or RICS
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Smartsheet, and SharePoint
- Deep understanding of MEPFS and architectural building systems
- Familiarity with procurement, tendering, and risk management frameworks
- Demonstrated leadership in cost control environments
Work Environment
This is an onsite role with locations in Albany, New York City, Rochester, and Syracuse, NY. Candidates must be able to work from one of these locations.
Compensation & Benefits
The annual salary range for this position is $110,000 – $155,000. Benefits include a 401(k) plan with company match, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid parental leave at full salary, paid time off, and access to earned wages through Daily Pay.
