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Senior Cost Manager Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Rider Levett Bucknall

Cost Manager

South Bend, IN · On-site

The Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor is responsible for supporting senior members of staff and delivering comprehensive cost management services throughout the project lifecycle. This role ensures ...

Rider Levett Bucknall

Cost Manager

South Bend, IN · On-site

The Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor is responsible for supporting senior members of staff and delivering comprehensive cost management services throughout the project lifecycle. This role ensures ...

Mace

Senior Cost Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

$130K/yr

Senior Cost Engineer, Lebanon Mace combines global delivery consultancy experience to unlock ... Manages cost control, valuations, reporting and final account processes with clarity and accuracy.

Mace

Senior Cost Consultant

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

Manages, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan. * Contributes to the procurement process, ensuring that all stages including ...

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All JobsCost JobsSenior Cost Manager JobsSenior Cost Manager Jobs in Indiana

Senior Cost Manager information

See Indiana salary details

$37.1K

$101.8K

$139.9K

How much do senior cost manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior cost manager in Indiana is $101,824.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $115,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior cost manager?

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.

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 popular job titles related to Senior Cost Manager jobs in Indiana? For Senior Cost Manager jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Cost Manager jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Cost Manager jobs in Indiana are:
Senior Cost Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Cost Manager job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,824 per year, or $49 per hour.

Senior Cost Manager

Rider Levett Bucknall

South Bend, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Cost Manager
Reporting to: Office Director
*Candidate will be assigned to a project based in Northern Indiana*
Overview of Role
The Senior Cost Manager is responsible the delivery of cost management services across a diverse portfolio of Critical Infrastructure projects. This role integrates hands-on project oversight with team leadership, and client relationship management. The Senior Cost Manager will serve as a primary point of contact for clients, consultants, and designers, ensuring alignment with project goals and maintaining consistency with Company policy throughout the project lifecycle. In addition to overseeing delivery, the role requires the ability to identify value-add opportunities, proactively manage risks, and drive strategies that support the client's desired outcomes.
Essential Functions
  • Lead cost planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting across multiple data center projects.
  • Oversee the development of schematic, design development, and final design estimates and overall project budget.
  • Own and drive the full cost lifecycle: feasibility, estimating, benchmarking, cost planning, procurement support, cost control, forecasting, reporting, change management, and final account.
  • Participate in design workshops and provide strategic cost guidance to support informed decision making.
  • Conduct value engineering studies, cost option analyses, and estimate reconciliations.
  • Identify, manage, and mitigate risks related to cost, schedule, procurement, supply chain, utilities coordination, and site constraints, typical of data center delivery.
  • Advise on procurement strategy for consultant and project team procurement.
  • Advise on procurement and contracting methods for General Contractor.
  • Support commercial outcomes including procurement strategy, contract administration, claims avoidance, and dispute resolution where required.
  • Actively lead and participate in the tender/bid process, from preparation of bid documentation through analysis, leveling, and reporting to ensure best value for the client.
  • Evaluate contractor pricing and scope for completeness based on historical data, vendor pricing, labor markets, material costs, equipment, and contractor markups.
  • Lead the change management process by identifying, analyzing, negotiating, and implementing cost impacts of scope changes.
  • Manage change orders, cost variations, and contractor negotiations on behalf of the Client.
  • Review contractor requisitions for work in progress Perform cost forecasting and cash flow projections.
  • Oversee day-to-day cost control, valuations, and financial reporting to ensure projects remain aligned with client objectives.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic cost guidance to support informed decision-making.
  • Champion best practices, compliance, and consistency of approach across reporting, documentation, and close-out.
  • Assist with final account settlements, claims analysis, and dispute resolution.
  • Mentor and develop junior team members.
  • Review deliverables to ensure quality, accuracy, and consistency.
  • Contribute to business development efforts and support client relationship growth.

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, RICS accreditation 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.
  • MEP System knowledge highly preferred
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.
General Benefits information can be found on the RLB Careers Page: Construction Management Jobs | RLB Americas
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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