Construction Cost Manager

About the role

The Construction Cost Manager is a project leadership role within the Project Controls and Cost Management function, reporting directly to the Project Director and/or Executive Sponsor. The individual is responsible for overall project cost management, including oversight of job cost reporting, forecasting, change management, financial controls, and leadership of a team of 8‑15 Cost Engineers. The role bridges operations and project controls disciplines and serves as a trusted business partner to project leadership.

Responsibilities

• Cost Management & Reporting: Establish and maintain project job cost reports (budgets, commitments, forecasts, contingencies, allowances, yet‑to‑buys, actual costs). Oversee monthly cost report preparation, review, and reconciliation before distribution. Ensure consistency and accuracy of cost data across all tools and reports. Track costs by bid package, field order, and client‑defined change categories. Provide executive‑level cost analysis, reporting, and recommendations. Develop and maintain project‑specific cost management procedures and governance standards.
• Forecasting & Financial Controls: Prepare and manage monthly project forecasts (EAC), identifying cost trends, risks, and opportunities. Partner with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Project Directors to align forecasts with field execution plans. Lead cost risk assessments and recommend mitigation and recovery strategies. Manage contingency utilization and advise on optimizing financial performance. Support executive decision‑making through scenario analysis and strategic forecasting.
• Change Management & Commercial Leadership: Lead change order management and validation, including scope review, pricing validation, contractual compliance, and entitlement evaluation. Review and approve subcontractor change proposals, ensuring accuracy and alignment with contractual requirements. Drive timely resolution of commercial issues affecting cost and schedule. Maintain owner and subcontractor change logs and incorporate changes into forecasts and financial reporting. Support commercial negotiations with owners and trade partners.
• Client, Owner, & Trade Partner Interface: Serve as the primary client‑facing cost management representative. Lead financial reviews, cost discussions, and forecasting meetings with owners, consultants, and stakeholders. Work directly with subcontractors, vendors, and consultants to validate pricing, resolve commercial issues, and maintain project progress. Build and maintain strong relationships while protecting project financial interests. Collaborate with project leadership to deliver transparent and proactive financial communication.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 5‑10 Cost Engineers and Project Controls professionals. Provide oversight of cost reporting, forecasting, change management, and commercial processes. Establish performance expectations and support professional development. Promote consistency, accountability, and best practices across cost management activities. Support project closeout, including final cost reconciliation and subcontract closeout.
• Project Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Act as a strategic partner to the Project Director and Executive team in managing overall project performance. Collaborate with Operations, Project Management, Construction Management, Procurement, and Project Controls teams. Contribute to project execution planning and key business decisions throughout the lifecycle. Leverage prior project management and field experience to provide practical solutions that support successful project delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive construction experience within a general contractor, EPC, or construction management environment.
• Demonstrated project management, project controls, or cost management experience on industrial process facilities, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, mission‑critical, data center, energy, or other large complex construction projects.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams of Cost Engineers, Project Controls professionals, or Project Managers.
• Strong understanding of construction cost management, forecasting, change management, project controls, and commercial management principles.
• Experience working directly with clients, owners, Project Directors, Executive Leadership, subcontractors, and trade partners.
• Ability to lead executive‑level financial discussions and influence key project decisions.
• Proficiency with cost control and reporting systems (CMiC, Procore, Oracle, Excel, Power BI, Smartsheet, and related project controls software).
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance financial controls, client expectations, and operational project delivery.
• Leadership capability and broader project delivery experience necessary to transition into future Project Management or Operations leadership roles.

About Us

Hoffman Construction is a forward‑thinking, self‑performing builder specializing in technically complex, sustainable projects across advanced technology, mission‑critical, life sciences, healthcare, higher education, and commercial markets. Founded in 1922, the employee‑owned enterprise has grown into a multi‑billion‑dollar national presence with a legacy of excellence. The company emphasizes opportunity, innovation, and collaboration, empowering employees to take initiative and shape the future of construction.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and advancement opportunities
• Ongoing professional training and development
• Comprehensive benefits, including free primary care for employees and families through dedicated clinics
• Health insurance, paid time off, and a generous retirement plan
• A culture rooted in inclusion, collaboration, and respect

Pay

Salary Range: $100,000 to $160,000 DOE + Incentives