Cost Manager/Senior Estimator-General Construction

Want to Work on the Owner's Side?

If you're an accomplished construction estimator who wants to influence projects from the owner's perspective instead of the contractor's side, this is an outstanding opportunity.

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Senior Estimator to lead its growing Cost Management practice in New York City. This role combines technical estimating expertise, leadership, and strategic client advisory responsibilities while working alongside developers, investors, institutions, and owners on complex construction projects throughout the United States.

If you enjoy leading teams, advising clients, improving estimating processes, and making a measurable impact on major developments, we'd like to speak with you.

About the Company

For more than 20 years, the company has been a trusted engineering and construction consulting firm providing technical, leadership, and advisory services for some of the industry's most challenging projects.

Working exclusively as a trusted advisor to owners, developers, investors, public-private partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the company helps clients successfully navigate complex construction programs through expert cost management, engineering consulting, project advisory, and technical leadership.

This is an opportunity to join a respected organization where your expertise directly influences project success long before construction begins.

About the Position

The Senior Cost Manager / Senior Estimator will lead the firm's Cost Management and Estimating practice while managing a team of Project Engineers and Estimators.

This leadership role is responsible for developing accurate conceptual budgets, design estimates, GMP estimates, cost models, and value engineering solutions while serving as a trusted advisor to clients throughout every phase of a project's lifecycle.

Success in this position requires a collaborative leader who combines strong technical estimating skills with the ability to mentor staff, improve internal processes, and build long-term client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating and cost management department
• Mentor, coach, and develop Project Engineers and Estimators
• Balance departmental workload, staffing, and project priorities
• Prepare conceptual budgets and detailed cost estimates throughout all phases of design
• Produce schematic, design development, GMP, and final construction estimates
• Develop accurate quantity takeoffs using plans, specifications, and conceptual information
• Establish and maintain estimating standards, QA/QC procedures, and best practices
• Maintain and improve the firm's historical cost database
• Review and reconcile change orders and cost impacts
• Lead subcontractor and supplier pricing efforts
• Manage the bid solicitation and proposal evaluation process
• Analyze project logistics, schedules, general conditions, and constructability impacts
• Develop value engineering recommendations that reduce costs without compromising quality
• Monitor construction market trends and material pricing
• Build strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and trade partners
• Serve as a trusted advisor throughout the project lifecycle

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline
• Master's degree is a plus
• 10+ years of progressive estimating or cost management experience
• 3+ years of experience leading teams and managing technical staff
• Experience managing projects from preconstruction through closeout
• Strong understanding of construction estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and cost management
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Experience interacting with owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors

Preferred Certifications (But not Mandatory)

One or more of the following certifications is highly desirable:

• Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
• Certified Estimating Professional (CEP)
• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Benefits

Compensation

• Base Salary: $150,000–$175,000
• Annual Performance Bonus
• Profit Sharing Opportunities

Comprehensive Benefits

• 100% Company-Paid Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision Coverage
• 401(k)
• Professional Development Allowance
• Flexible Hybrid Work Environment
• Life Insurance
• AD&D Coverage
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Commuter Pre-Tax Benefits
• Legal Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

This role offers a flexible work environment with a combination of office, client site, and occasional travel to project locations throughout the United States as business needs require.