Senior Cost Manager

Our client is actiely seeking an experieced Senior Cost Manager to join their team in the San Francisco Bay Area! This individual will lead all budgetting, cost planning and financial control activities for a large, complex renovation project. This role will focus on the early-stage budget developmet, cost forecasting, change management, and financial reporting, working closely with project teams, designers, engineering and client stakeholders to ensure a cost certainty. 

Ideal candidates will have experience in lab, healthcare, or technically complex renovation projects, with a strong understanding of phasing, operational constraints and cost drivers specific to laboratory environments. This is full-time, long-term opportunity to join a nationally recognized engineering firm offering competitive pay, health benefits (medical, vision, dental), 401K, life insurance and more! 


Job Title: Senior Cost Manager
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Project Type: Laboratory Renovation & Modernization
Schedule: Full-time, Hybrid Schedule (3 days on-site)

Role Overview
The Senior Cost Manager will lead all budgeting, cost planning, and financial control activities for a complex laboratory renovation project. This role is focused on early-stage budget development, cost forecasting, change management, and financial reporting, working closely with Client’s project teams, designers, engineers, and client stakeholders to ensure cost certainty throughout the project lifecycle.
The ideal candidate has experience in lab, healthcare, or technically complex renovation projects, with a strong understanding of phasing, operational constraints, and cost drivers specific to laboratory environments. Key Responsibilities
Budget Development & Cost Planning

• Develop and manage project budgets from concept through completion, including ROM estimates, schematic design budgets, and detailed construction estimates.
• Lead cost planning workshops with Client, design consultants, and client stakeholders.
• Establish cost plans aligned with project scope, phasing, and operational constraints of active laboratory environments.
• Benchmark costs against similar lab, life sciences, or healthcare projects.

Cost Control & Financial Management

• Implement and maintain cost control systems to track commitments, actuals, forecasts, and variances.
• Produce regular cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and budget status updates for client leadership.
• Monitor contingency usage and recommend adjustments based on risk and project evolution.
• Validate contractor pay applications, cost-loaded schedules, and expense reports.

Change & Risk Management

• Evaluate cost impacts of design changes, scope modifications, and unforeseen conditions.
• Lead change order reviews, negotiations, and approvals in coordination with the Client.
• Support risk assessments and maintain robust risk and opportunity registers related to cost.
• Provide proactive recommendations to mitigate budget overruns.

Procurement & Contractor Support

• Support procurement strategies, including package breakdowns and bid evaluations.
• Review contractor pricing, value engineering proposals, and alternates.
• Assist with GC/CM and trade partner negotiations from a cost perspective.

Stakeholder & Team Collaboration

• Act as a key financial advisor to the project team and client.
• Work closely with Client cost managers, project managers, designers, and construction teams.
• Present cost information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in cost management or commercial management, preferably on lab, healthcare, or technically complex renovation projects.
• Strong experience with budget development, forecasting, and cost reporting.
• Proven ability to manage costs in occupied or phased renovation environments.
• Proficiency with cost management tools and Excel-based financial models.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as CCM, MRICS, PQS, or PMP.
• Familiarity with laboratory standards (GMP, GLP, BSL levels) and their cost implications.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.