What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Manager position at Halmar International?
The Cost Manager is responsible for overseeing project cost control, forecasting, budgeting, and financial performance across heavy civil construction projects. This role ensures accurate cost tracking, risk management, and financial reporting from preconstruction through project closeout. The Cost Manager works closely with project managers, estimators, superintendents, accounting, and executive leadership to maintain profitability and financial transparency.
Project Cost Control
- Develop and maintain detailed project budgets aligned with contract values and estimates.
- Monitor actual costs vs. budget and forecast final project costs.
- Analyze cost variances and provide recommendations to mitigate overruns.
- Track committed costs, subcontractor payments, purchase orders, and change orders.
- Manage contingency tracking and cost exposure reporting.
Financial Forecasting & Reporting
- Prepare monthly cost reports and executive dashboards.
- Develop earned value reports and productivity analysis.
- Provide revenue projections and margin analysis.
- Support Work-in-Progress (WIP) reporting.
- Identify financial risks and opportunities early in the project lifecycle.
Preconstruction & Estimating Support
- Assist estimating team with cost validation and historical cost data analysis.
- Review bid estimates for accuracy and risk exposure.
- Support value engineering efforts.
Contract & Change Management
- Track and manage change orders, claims, and contract modifications.
- Evaluate cost impacts of scope changes.
- Assist in documentation for claims and dispute resolution.
Systems & Process Management
- Maintain cost management systems (e.g., Viewpoint, Procore, HCSS, etc.).
- Ensure job cost coding accuracy.
- Improve cost control processes and reporting standards.
- Implement best practices for heavy civil cost tracking.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
- 5 years of cost control or project controls experience in heavy civil construction.
- Strong knowledge of infrastructure projects (earthwork, utilities, concrete, bridges, roadways).
- Experience with job cost accounting systems.
- Advanced Excel skills.
- Strong analytical and financial reporting capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with projects over $10M in value.
- Knowledge of public works and DOT contracts.
- Familiarity with earned value management (EVM).
- CPA, CCM, or PMP certification (preferred but not required).
“Halmar International is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.”