Senior Cost Manager

Senior Cost Manager - Phoenix, AZ

Salary: $140,000 - $180,000

Fortiva are partnering with a leading Owner’s Representative and construction consultancy to appoint a Senior Cost Manager to support the delivery of complex construction projects across a diverse portfolio.

This is a senior-level position offering the opportunity to take ownership of cost management services, working closely with clients, design teams, and contractors to ensure projects are delivered in line with financial and commercial objectives.

Position Overview

The Senior Cost Manager will lead all aspects of cost planning and estimation, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with both client expectations and internal standards. Acting as a key advisor, you will provide strategic cost input from early-stage design through construction, while identifying opportunities to optimize value and manage risk.

You will operate with a high level of autonomy, taking responsibility for project outcomes while also supporting team development and maintaining quality across deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of cost estimates and cost plans from concept through construction documentation
• Conduct detailed quantity take-offs across architectural, structural, and civil scopes
• Develop value engineering strategies and alternative cost options
• Review contractor estimates and prepare independent cost assessments, identifying scope and pricing variances
• Analyze cost drivers including labor, materials, equipment, and market conditions
• Evaluate design team deliverables to ensure alignment with project budgets
• Maintain and utilize historical cost data and benchmarking to inform estimates
• Forecast project costs and assess financial impact of design changes
• Prepare and present cost reports, technical evaluations, and recommendations to clients
• Participate in design workshops, client meetings, and value engineering sessions
• Support procurement processes, including bid analysis and contractor negotiations
• Review contractor applications for payment and assess work-in-progress valuations
• Mentor and support junior team members, contributing to overall team capability
• Ensure all deliverables meet high standards of quality and consistency

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a commercially astute and technically strong professional with a proven background in construction cost management.

• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field
• Approximately 5–10 years of experience in construction estimating and cost management
• Experience across multiple project stages, from concept through construction delivery
• Strong knowledge of building construction, including architectural, structural, and civil components
• Exposure to MEP estimating is advantageous
• Experience working within a consultancy or client-side environment preferred
• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office tools
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Professional certifications (e.g., AACE, CCP) are beneficial but not essential

Why This Role

• Opportunity to take a lead role on complex, high-value projects
• Work within a client-focused consultancy environment
• Exposure to a wide range of sectors and project types
• Clear progression pathway with opportunities to mentor and develop others