Cost Manager/Project Manager

This contract-to-hire Senior Cost Manager / Project Manager role focuses on delivering comprehensive cost management and project controls services for a large, singular construction project in the Poughkeepsie area. You lead cost estimating and project controls across new build and renovation work, partnering closely with clients and internal teams to develop and manage budgets, analyze risks, and ensure accurate, data-driven decisions. The position combines hands-on estimating, client-facing communication, and team leadership in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, with a somewhat hybrid schedule and regular travel to project sites.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to establish, maintain, and track project budgets from concept through completion.
• Develop and maintain project cost control reports, tracking actual costs against estimated budgets and forecasts.
• Review and assess scopes of work for all stakeholders to ensure complete, accurate descriptions and that all costs are properly accounted for with no gaps.
• Identify and analyze potential risks that may affect project deliverables, timelines, or budgets, and communicate these risks clearly.
• Prepare detailed and accurate construction and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents.
• Research local market pricing for materials, labor, and equipment using published documents, historical data, and targeted market studies.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor their implementation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to gather data and provide accurate, timely project status updates and reporting.
• Review and analyze project documentation to ensure compliance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with project teams to capture lessons learned and best practices and implement them on future projects.
• Stay current on industry trends, tools, and best practices related to project controls and cost management.
• Partner with team members to execute complex projects through all stages, from planning and estimating to delivery and close-out.
• Provide value engineering services and design option reviews to optimize cost, schedule, and quality.
• Conduct bid analyses and participate in reconciliations with contractors and subcontractors.
• Review and evaluate change orders, support change management processes, and assess whether changes fall within the scope of base work.
• Communicate effectively with team leads, executives, and stakeholders, presenting analyzed data and recommendations that support project goals.
• Contribute to strategic client initiatives by staying informed on changes to processes, systems, and reporting related to project delivery services.
• Aggregate and translate project outputs into marketable deliverables such as case studies, white papers, and quarterly metrics.
• Lead project teams, provide guidance and direction, and interact regularly with clients in a professional, consultative manner.

• 5–10 years of experience as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or in a closely related project controls role.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed construction and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents.
• Strong working knowledge of architectural drawings, planning concepts, and construction techniques and technology.
• Ability to regularly communicate analyzed data to clients and internal teams to support decision-making and achieve project goals.
• Highly organized with strong analytical skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally with executive-level internal and external clients, architects, contractors, and client representatives.
• Proven ability to generate AACE Level 1–5 cost evaluations, work conceptually, and qualify unknowns.
• Expertise in estimating software and benchmarking tools, with experience in cost management and project controls systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, operate independently when needed, and navigate ambiguity to create structure and consensus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and engage effectively with clients.
• Client-facing communication skills with the ability to present complex cost and risk information clearly and confidently.
• Capability to perform project estimates and quantification, including cost breakdowns and detailed takeoffs.

• Architectural or civil background that supports understanding of building design and construction methodologies.
• Knowledge of cost estimating software such as Cost-X, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar tools.
• Professional certification in project management or cost management, such as AACE or RICS.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate options and recommend value-driven solutions.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects or workstreams simultaneously.
• Intermediate to expert proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Smartsheet.
• Expert understanding of building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and architectural (MEPFS).
• Familiarity with procurement and tendering processes, including bid evaluation and contractor negotiations.
• Experience aggregating and translating project data into case studies, white papers, and performance metrics for internal and external audiences.
• Knowledge of real estate markets and cost drivers relevant to office, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, life sciences, education, and mixed-use projects.

This role is based in the Poughkeepsie general area and follows a standard daytime schedule, typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position offers a somewhat hybrid work arrangement, combining office-based work with regular travel to local project sites two to three days per week as needed. You work closely with cross-functional project teams, architects, contractors, and client representatives in a collaborative, professional environment focused on delivering high-quality construction and real estate projects. The work involves extensive use of cost estimating tools, benchmarking software, and productivity applications such as Excel, Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Smartsheet. As a contract-to-hire opportunity, the role provides a pathway to long-term engagement while contributing to a large, high-profile project in the region.

This is a Contract position based out of Poughkeepsie, NY.

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $70.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Poughkeepsie,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $65 - $70