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Senior Cost Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rider Levett Bucknall

Senior Cost Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$111.50K - $135K/yr

Senior Cost Manager Reporting to: Office Director Salary Range: $111,500 - $135,000 Overview of Role The Senior Cost Manager is responsible for managing project costs across all stages of ...

Cumming Group

The Senior Cost Manager prepares and completes deliverables for assigned projects of all sizes and complexity during the various stages of design through construction, either directly or through ...

Skanska USA

Senior Cost Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Senior Cost Manager will be responsible for managing and overseeing all cost-related aspects of the project. This includes estimating costs, budgeting, and ensuring that the project remains on ...

Skanska USA

Senior Cost Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Senior Cost Manager will be responsible for managing and overseeing all cost-related aspects of the project. This includes estimating costs, budgeting, and ensuring that the project remains on ...

Rider Levett Bucknall

Senior Cost Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$111.50K - $148.50K/yr

Senior Cost Manager Reporting to: Office Director Salary Range: $111,500 - $148,500 Overview of Role The Senior Cost Manager is responsible for oversight of cost estimation and adhering to the ...

Rider Levett Bucknall

Senior Cost Manager

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Senior Cost Manager Reporting to: Office Director Overview of Role The Senior Cost Manager is responsible for oversight of cost estimation and adhering to the company's quality standards and the ...

Rider Levett Bucknall

Senior Cost Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

Senior Cost Manager Reporting to: Office Director Overview of Role The Senior Cost Manager is responsible for oversight of cost estimation and adhering to the company's quality standards and the ...

Rider Levett Bucknall

Senior Cost Manager

Denver, CO · On-site

$105.50K - $140.50K/yr

Senior Cost Manager Reporting to: Office Director Salary Range: $105,500 - $140,500 Overview of Role The Senior Cost Manager is responsible for managing project costs across all stages of ...

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Raleigh, NC

$108K - $145.07K/yr

Overview As a Senior Cost Manager at Linesight, you will work with highly experienced, culturally diverse, and passionate teams nurturing a strong social dynamic and a shared sense of achievement.

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$108K - $145K/yr

Overview As a Senior Cost Manager at Linesight, you will work with highly experienced, culturally diverse, and passionate teams nurturing a strong social dynamic and a shared sense of achievement.

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Roanoke, VA · On-site

Overview As a Senior Cost Manager at Linesight, you will work with highly experienced, culturally diverse, and passionate teams nurturing a strong social dynamic and a shared sense of achievement.

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$108K - $145K/yr

Overview As a Senior Cost Manager at Linesight, you will work with highly experienced, culturally diverse, and passionate teams nurturing a strong social dynamic and a shared sense of achievement.

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$108K - $145.07K/yr

Overview As a Senior Cost Manager at Linesight, you will work with highly experienced, culturally diverse, and passionate teams nurturing a strong social dynamic and a shared sense of achievement.

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$108K - $145K/yr

Overview As a Senior Cost Manager at Linesight, you will work with highly experienced, culturally diverse, and passionate teams nurturing a strong social dynamic and a shared sense of achievement.

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$108K - $145K/yr

Overview As a Senior Cost Manager at Linesight, you will work with highly experienced, culturally diverse, and passionate teams nurturing a strong social dynamic and a shared sense of achievement.

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Overview As a Senior Cost Manager at Linesight, you will work with highly experienced, culturally diverse, and passionate teams nurturing a strong social dynamic and a shared sense of achievement.

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

$108K - $145K/yr

Overview As a Senior Cost Manager at Linesight, you will work with highly experienced, culturally diverse, and passionate teams nurturing a strong social dynamic and a shared sense of achievement.

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Des Moines, IA

As a Senior Cost Manager at Linesight, you will work with highly experienced, culturally diverse, and passionate teams nurturing a strong social dynamic and a shared sense of achievement. You will ...

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Birmingham, AL · On-site

Overview As a Senior Cost Manager at Linesight, you will work with highly experienced, culturally diverse, and passionate teams nurturing a strong social dynamic and a shared sense of achievement.

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$39K

$107K

$147K

How much do senior cost manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior cost manager in the United States is $107,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Cost Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Cost Manager, you need expertise in cost estimation, budgeting, financial analysis, and typically a degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field. Proficiency with cost management software like CostX, MS Excel, and familiarity with industry standards such as RICS or AACE certification is highly valued. Exceptional negotiation, leadership, and communication skills help manage teams and collaborate with clients and contractors effectively. These competencies ensure projects remain within budget, risks are minimized, and client expectations are consistently met.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Cost Managers when overseeing large-scale construction projects?

Senior Cost Managers often encounter challenges such as managing budget fluctuations due to market volatility, coordinating with multiple stakeholders to ensure accurate cost forecasting, and maintaining project timelines while controlling expenses. They must also address unexpected changes in project scope and ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential, as the role involves frequent collaboration with clients, contractors, and design teams to achieve cost-effective project outcomes.

What are Senior Cost Managers?

Senior Cost Managers are professionals who oversee and control the costs associated with large construction or infrastructure projects. They are responsible for budgeting, cost planning, risk management, procurement advice, and ensuring that projects are completed within financial constraints. Senior Cost Managers often lead teams, liaise with clients and contractors, and provide strategic advice to help maximize value for money throughout a project's lifecycle. Their expertise is crucial for minimizing financial risks and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

What is the difference between Senior Cost Manager vs Cost Estimator?

AspectSenior Cost ManagerCost Estimator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in construction management, finance, or related field; certifications like CPC or CCM are commonUsually holds a degree in engineering, construction, or related field; certifications like AACE Certified Estimator are advantageous
Work EnvironmentOversees project budgets, manages cost control teams, and collaborates with project managers in construction or engineering firmsPrepares detailed cost estimates for projects during planning, often working closely with engineers and project planners
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in construction, engineering, and infrastructure projectsPrimarily used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering sectors for project planning

The main difference is that a Senior Cost Manager oversees overall project costs and manages teams, while a Cost Estimator focuses on preparing detailed cost estimates during project planning. Both roles require related credentials and work within similar industries, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Senior Cost Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Cost Manager jobs? Cities with the most Senior Cost Manager job openings:
What states have the most Senior Cost Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Cost Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Cost Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Cost Manager jobs are:
Senior Cost Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Cost Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,007 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Senior Cost Manager

Rider Levett Bucknall

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$111.50K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Cost Manager
Reporting to: Office Director
Salary Range: $111,500 - $135,000
Overview of Role
The Senior Cost Manager is responsible for managing project costs across all stages of construction, ensuring effective cost control, accurate reporting, and strong client collaboration. The successful candidate will bring solid experience in construction cost management and the ability to lead cost planning and commercial activities on a range of project types. The Senior Cost Manager should have the ability to identify opportunities within a project that will add value and help successfully accomplish the client's desired project outcome.
Truth. Trust. Together. Tomorrow.
At RLB, we speak the truth, build for the long term, look out for each other and work to do good. We are driven by outcomes, creating tailored solutions that deliver successful projects. We believe that when we bring together the right people doing things the right way, we make progress for our clients and our communities.
RLB is an award-winning international firm, known for providing property and construction consultancy advice at all stages of the construction cycle. Utilizing its many years of experience and professionally trained employees, RLB continues to firmly establish itself as one of the major players in the construction industry throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Oceania. Our employees are involved in a variety of projects across a range of sectors, from sports arenas and healthcare to higher education and convention centers.
As a privately held company, we hire the best people, give them exceptional training, and provide extensive opportunities for professional growth while working on exciting projects while providing an excellent compensation and benefits package.
Essential Functions
  • Lead and provide cost management and quantity surveying services across all project phases, from pre-construction through project closeout.
  • Develop and maintain cost estimates, project budgets, cost plans, and bid documentation throughout the design and construction phases.
  • Perform value engineering and cost analysis to support efficient project delivery and alignment with project budgets.
  • Provide cost advice during design development and ensure design decisions remain aligned with approved project budgets.
  • Manage procurement and bidding processes, including preparation of bid packages, bid evaluations, and recommendations for contractor award.
  • Participate in pre-bid meetings, contractor negotiations, and contract award processes.
  • Track and manage project costs, including change orders, cost reporting, project cash flow, and financial forecasting throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Prepare regular cost reports and financial updates for clients and project stakeholders.
  • Review and evaluate contractors, change order requests and negotiate cost impacts where required.
  • Review and process contractor and consultant pay applications and ensure compliance with contract terms.
  • Assist in the preparation, negotiation, and agreement of final accounts and project closeout documentation.
  • Provide commercial and financial guidance to clients and project teams to support informed decision-making.
  • Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, contractors, designers, and internal teams.
  • Ensure cost management processes align with company standards, project controls procedures, and client requirements.
  • Support, guide, and mentor junior staff while contributing to team development, training, and knowledge sharing

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a positive proactive approach to the role and will be committed to delivering customer service excellence.
  • Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required: 4-year college degree in Construction Management, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating or equivalent recognized technical qualification.
  • Minimum Experience required: 5-10 years' relevant experience in construction cost estimating of a variety of building types from program, conceptual, schematic, design development and construction document stages of design in elemental and CSI format for all architectural, structural, and civil components of new construction and renovation projects. Some MEP estimating experience preferred. AACE International and/or Certified Cost Professional preferred.
  • Knowledge and understanding of execution of cost management services; good planning, organization, and communication skills essential. Understanding of technical and non-technical documents related to cost management services required. Knowledge and use of industry-estimating software and Microsoft Office software programs.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Indoor office environment. May require work on site location when necessary.
  • Equipment used includes computers and standard office machines.
  • Essential physical tasks include: the ability to work on a computer and the ability to answer and speak on a telephone.

RLB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices based on race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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