Cost Manager

Title: Cost Manager

Location: Los Angeles or San Francisco

Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000

Exemption Status: Exempt

Discipline: Cost

Type: Full-Time

About G&T:

Gardiner & Theobald is an independent global consultancy offering a range of services to the construction and property industry, including project, cost, and construction management. We work with clients worldwide, finding solutions that exceed expectations and add value to projects.

Our beginnings can be traced back to London in 1835, when the practice was founded. With 180 years of history and heritage, we are proud to remain an independent consultancy. Gardiner and Theobald Inc., headquartered in New York City, operates across the U.S with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Austin, Dallas, Tampa, Miami, Massachusetts, and Chicago. With a commitment to independence, we have retained our consultancy status while delivering innovative solutions that add substantial value to high-profile projects. In North America, Gardiner & Theobald Inc. has a proven track record spanning over 25 years and has overseen projects exceeding a combined value of $35 billion.

About the Role:

Gardiner & Theobald is currently looking to add a dynamic, detail-oriented Cost Manager to our team. In this role, the Cost Manager will plan and complete deliverables independently (with minimal guidance from senior leads) on construction and/or development projects. Additionally, you will be responsible for nurturing client relationships, developing cost-related documentation, and serving as a trusted resource that is able to speak on all aspects of assigned projects and confidently answer client questions.

About the Candidate:

Gardiner & Theobald is actively looking to welcome a Cost Manager to our team. Our ideal candidate:

Has transferable experience but is eager to continue learning and growing their skill set within the industry. Is equipped with strong problem-solving skills to work independently but recognizes when it’s necessary to ask for help. Is a strong communicator, able to effectively build trust and earn the respect of internal and client teams. Has a forward-thinking mindset and naturally takes on additional responsibilities. Is analytical and has general knowledge of construction technology, cost control process, cost reporting, and high-level construction finance accounting and scheduling. Has strong core values and is interested in working for a value-driven organization.

If this sounds like you and you believe you’d be a good fit, we strongly encourage you to apply!

Key Responsibilities:

• Effectively develop documentation, including the following:
• Estimates, cost plans, RFP’s, cost reports, cash flows, value engineering reports, and process contractor requisitions
• Evaluate cost estimates in a timely manner with a developed understanding of market rates and overall cost economics
• Continually develop a clear understanding of construction technology, cost control process, cost reporting, and high-level construction finance accounting and scheduling.
• Lead post-contract cost management deliverables with minimal supervision - risk management, cost control, and cost reporting
• Prepare and issue Advanced Warnings to clients throughout design and construction in relation to financial risks to the project
• Establish and maintain project financial controls, governance processes, and reporting frameworks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Partner with Project Management, Finance, and accounting teams to manage budgets, forecasts, cash flow, accruals, and month-end financial close activities.
• Monitor project financial performance, reconcile costs against budgets, and identify and resolve financial discrepancies or reporting issues.
• Prepare and consolidate project and portfolio-level cost reports, dashboards, forecasts, and performance metrics to support management decision-making.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of project financial data, schedules, budgets, and reporting systems.
• Provide guidance and support to project teams on financial processes, cost management practices, reporting requirements, and issue resolution.
• Deliver clear, concise project correspondence with attention to detail
• Identify and perform follow-up tasks efficiently and effectively

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, finance, or a related field
• 3-5 Years of experience in construction cost management and project controls or a related field
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite
• Experience in Microsoft Project, Smartsheet is a plus
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to read construction drawings

Physical Requirements:

• Attend weekly project meetings on active construction sites

Core Competencies:

• Plans and Aligns- Planning and prioritising work to meet commitments aligned with the organisation's goals
• Optimize Work Processes- Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement
• Ensures Accountability- Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Instils Trust- Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
• Communicates Effectively- Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences