MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Director of Project Controls / Cost Management to support complex construction and real estate programs in New York City.
This senior-level position will be heavily focused on cost management and project controls, including both pre-contract and post-contract project activities. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience managing construction costs, estimating, procurement, change management, risk, and project financial performance.
This position requires a strong understanding of construction methods, project delivery, real estate markets, and cost management practices. The successful candidate must also be highly client-facing and capable of delivering a polished, white-glove level of service to senior stakeholders.
The role will initially operate as an individual contributor with no direct reports; however, it is expected to develop into a broader leadership position as the team and program grow.
Lead project controls and cost management activities across multiple simultaneous projects, including large-scale and complex construction programs.
Manage projects through both pre-contract and post-contract phases.
Prepare detailed construction and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents.
Develop and maintain project budgets, cost plans, forecasts, cash flow projections, and financial reporting.
Perform conceptual estimating and AACE Level 1–5 cost evaluations.
Analyze construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and project documentation to accurately determine anticipated costs.
Develop a strong understanding of local market pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
Utilize published cost data, historical project information, benchmarking tools, and market studies to support cost recommendations.
Lead value engineering exercises and design option reviews to identify opportunities to improve project value and control costs.
Support procurement and tendering processes, including bid leveling, bid analysis, contractor evaluations, and commercial reconciliations.
Review contractor and subcontractor proposals for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with project scope.
Review change orders and support formal change management processes.
Determine whether proposed changes fall within the original project scope and assess the cost and schedule impact of changes.
Identify project risks that could affect cost, schedule, scope, or overall project delivery.
Develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies and monitor implementation throughout the project lifecycle.
Coordinate with project managers, design teams, contractors, consultants, and client stakeholders to gather project information and maintain accurate reporting.
Generate project status, cost, risk, and progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.
Present cost information, recommendations, forecasts, and project findings to senior client stakeholders.
Conduct project controls and cost management audits to identify deviations from established procedures.
Support lessons-learned initiatives and implementation of project controls best practices across future projects.
Maintain a detailed understanding of construction techniques, technology, market conditions, and industry trends.
Effectively manage client expectations through clear, proactive, and concise communication.
Develop trusted relationships with clients and become a strategic advisor regarding project cost, risk, and commercial matters.
Support strategic initiatives designed to improve project controls and cost management processes.
Contribute subject matter expertise to broader project controls and cost management teams.
Mentor and support team members as the organization and account grow.
Participate in recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing project controls and cost management professionals.
Support business development activities and the cultivation of existing and prospective client relationships.
Assist with the development of case studies, market intelligence, benchmarking data, and other client-facing deliverables.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in:
Quantity Surveying
Construction Management
Architecture
Engineering
Real Estate
Related field
10+ years of experience in cost management, estimating, quantity surveying, project controls, or a similar construction-related position.
Significant experience managing projects through both pre-contract and post-contract phases.
Strong construction cost management background.
Extensive understanding of construction processes, methods, materials, and project delivery.
Ability to independently prepare and review detailed cost estimates and project budgets.
Experience performing conceptual estimates and evaluating incomplete or evolving design information.
Strong understanding of procurement, tendering, bid analysis, and contractor negotiations.
Experience reviewing change orders, project changes, and construction claims from a commercial perspective.
Strong understanding of project financial controls, forecasting, risk management, and reporting.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities simultaneously.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Exceptional client-facing and stakeholder-management capabilities.
Ability to communicate effectively with senior executives, project teams, contractors, designers, and consultants.
Strong customer-service mindset with the ability to provide a professional, high-touch client experience.
Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25% based on project needs.
Must be a U.S. Citizen due to client requirements.
Professional certifications such as AACE, RICS, PMP, or similar industry credentials.
Experience using CostX, On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable estimating and quantity takeoff software.
Experience with construction benchmarking and estimating databases.
Experience managing major corporate real estate, commercial construction, or capital improvement programs.
Previous leadership, mentoring, or team-development experience.
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