Manager Cost Optimization Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Summary
The Cost Control Manager is responsible for planning, monitoring, and controlling project costs to ensure construction projects are delivered within approved budgets. The role involves cost forecasting, budget control, financial reporting, and coordination with project, commercial, and procurement teams to identify risks and improve cost efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties

• Champions "The Layton Way" by delivering predictable outcomes for internal teams, external teams, and customers.
• Ensures that "Constructing with Integrity" is delivered by working with honesty, unity, safety, and quality of work. 
• Develop and maintain the project budget, cost breakdown structure (CBS), and cost control procedures.
• Monitor actual project costs against budgets and identify variances.
• Determine whether entitlement exists for a change.
• Prepare periodic cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and earned value analyses.
• Review and validate subcontractor payment applications and progress claims.
• Coordinate with planning/scheduling teams to align cost data with project schedules.
• Track commitments, expenditures, and variations/change orders.
• Analyze cost trends and recommend corrective actions to prevent cost overruns.
• Support contract administration, including claims analysis and change management.
• Participate in value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.
• Ensure accurate cost records and documentation for audits and project close-out.
• Provide cost advice to project management and senior leadership.
• Assist in the preparation of final accounts and project financial closeout.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in cost control or project controls within the construction industry.
• Proven experience in managing costs for large-scale construction projects (residential, commercial, industrial, or infrastructure).
• Strong understanding of construction contracts (FIDIC or equivalent).

• Strong understanding of all construction documents and how they interface.

• Strong knowledge of cost control principles, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Proficiency in cost control and project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, ERP systems).
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and reporting abilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
• Knowledge and use of CMiC preferred.                            

Benefits - Layton Construction offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, Life & AD&D Insurance, Long-term Disability Insurance, Short-term Disability Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance, Family Support, Pre-tax Paid Parking/Public Transportation, Paid time off, Time Away Benefits, Paid Holidays, Group Legal, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Identity Theft Protection, Group Legal, Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program.

EEO Statement - Layton Construction is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Layton Construction is a privately held national general contractor, delivering predictable outcomes in commercial construction since 1953. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Layton operates from 16 strategic offices across the United States, employing more than 1,500 construction professionals who serve diverse markets including healthcare, education, commercial office, industrial, hospitality, and multi-unit residential.
Founded on the core values of honesty, unity, safety, and quality, Layton has built a reputation for excellence in complex project delivery while maintaining strong partnerships with clients, architects, and trade partners nationwide.