ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Cost Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rider Levett Bucknall

Senior Cost Manager

Midlothian, VA · On-site +1

$130K - $160K/yr

Senior Cost Manager Reporting to: Office Director The proposed compensation range for this position is: $130,000 to $160,000. The offered rate of pay will be based on work location, individual ...

Linesight

Senior Cost Manager

Richmond, VA

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

Richmond, VA

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

Richmond, 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

Richmond, VA · 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.

AirTrunk

Your Impact As Cost Manager reporting to the Senior Cost Manager APAC, you will work closely with the rest of the Development team, making an impact in a number of ways: * Manage all aspects of ...

Rider Levett Bucknall

Cost Manager

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

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 ...

Alpha Corporation

Senior Cost Estimator

Dulles, VA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Position Summary As a Senior Cost Estimator, you will manage a wide range of Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build construction projects throughout the project lifecycle. Essential Duties and ...

Alpha

Senior Cost Estimator

Dulles, VA · On-site

Position Summary As a Senior Cost Estimator, you will manage a wide range of Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build construction projects throughout the project lifecycle. Essential Duties and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCost JobsSenior Cost Manager JobsSenior Cost Manager Jobs in Virginia

Senior Cost Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$38.7K

$106.1K

$145.7K

How much do senior cost manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior cost manager in Virginia is $106,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,700.00 and $120,500.00 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Senior Cost Manager jobs in Virginia?

For Senior Cost Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Cost Manager jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Cost Manager jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Cost Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Cost Manager job openings:

Senior Cost Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Cost Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,089 per year, or $51 per hour.

Senior Cost Manager

Rider Levett Bucknall

Midlothian, VA • On-site, Remote

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Cost Manager
Reporting to: Office Director
The proposed compensation range for this position is: $130,000 to $160,000. The offered rate of pay will be based on work location, individual education, skills & qualifications, and experience level.
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.
Essential Functions
Quantity Surveying- if your experience falls under this specialty, your duties will include:
• 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.
Cost Estimating - if your experience falls under this specialty, your duties will include:
• Prepare and manage detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates based on drawings and specifications.
• Review construction plans and specifications during preconstruction to complete quantity take-offs and prepare estimates for all architectural, structural, and civil scopes from schematic through final design for new construction and renovation projects
• Prepare value engineering, cost option and cost strategy estimates
• Prepare independent post contract estimates, including reporting differences in scope, quantities, and pricing from contractor's estimate
• Work as integral part of our Estimating Team to perform plan and specification analysis, takeoff, and pricing of various types of construction projects
• Acts as lead individual for specific projects
• Review estimates prepared by Estimating Team, prior to supervisor final review
• Compiles and analyzes data on all factors that influence costs, such as material, labor, equipment, and profit margins
• Evaluates cost estimating deliverables prepared by architects and engineers, for cost containment
• Acquires and evaluates historical and vendor cost data for the development of cost estimates and price recommendations
• Accurately forecasts costs of future projects and changes to existing projects
• Prepares technical evaluations, cost estimating draft reports, memos, and letters and presents recommendations to management and client
• Attend client meetings
• Participate in design charrettes and design workshops, including presenting estimates to the client and AE team
• Participate in Value Engineering studies, reconciliations, and negotiations with contractors
• Prepare valuations of work in progress reports from contractor draw requests
• Undertake other cost-related tasks as directed by supervisor, including review of estimates prepared by others
• Assist with training and mentoring others
• Contributes to team performance by collaboration and effective communication.
• Contributes to and understands the clients desired project outcomes, identifies opportunities to add value to accomplish the desired outcomes.
• Adds to team effort by accomplishing other duties as assigned.
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.

Apply