Cost Manager (Civil)
About this role
Job Title
Cost Manager (Civil)Job Description Summary
This role is responsible for managing all cost management and commercial functions across commercial real estate and construction projects. The Cost Manager will lead cost planning, budgeting, procurement support, cost control, contract administration, change management, and financial reporting activities while ensuring projects are delivered within approved budgets and commercial objectives. The role requires close collaboration with clients, project managers, consultants, contractors, and procurement teams to drive financial accountability, mitigate cost risks, and maximize project value throughout the project lifecycle.Job Description
About the Role:
Develop, maintain, and manage project budgets, cost plans, cash flow forecasts, and financial reporting across design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover phases.
Prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for commercial real estate construction projects.
Establish project cost baselines and monitor project expenditures against approved budgets and financial targets.
Conduct cost benchmarking, value engineering, and cost optimization initiatives to improve project efficiency and financial performance.
Review and validate contractor tenders, commercial proposals, bills of quantities (BOQs), and procurement packages.
Manage contractor payment certifications, variations, change orders, claims, and final account settlements.
Monitor project progress and assess cost implications arising from scope changes, schedule delays, and design modifications.
Prepare weekly, monthly, and executive-level cost reports, dashboards, forecasts, and commercial performance updates for clients and key stakeholders.
Perform variance analysis and proactively identify commercial risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.
Coordinate with project managers, consultants, contractors, procurement teams, and client representatives to ensure effective cost control throughout project execution.
Support contract administration activities and ensure compliance with contractual obligations and commercial governance requirements.
Lead cost-related risk assessments, contingency planning, and financial forecasting activities.
Ensure compliance with company standards, client requirements, industry best practices, and project controls frameworks.
Provide strategic commercial advice to project teams and clients to support informed decision-making and successful project delivery.
About You:
Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline with 10 - 14 years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, commercial management, or project controls within the construction industry.
Proven experience in managing costs for commercial office, workplace, mixed-use, retail, industrial, data center, hospitality, or large-scale real estate development projects.
Strong understanding of construction contracts, procurement strategies, cost planning, estimation, budgeting, forecasting, value engineering, and commercial management practices.
Extensive experience in tendering, contractor evaluation, change management, claims assessment, and contract administration.
Strong knowledge of project lifecycle management, construction methodologies, project controls, and commercial risk management.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, cost management systems, and ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent.
Ability to prepare and interpret detailed cost reports, cash flow forecasts, financial analyses, and executive presentations.
Strong analytical, stakeholder management, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Experience working with developers, occupiers, consultants, contractors, and project management teams on commercial construction projects.
Professional qualifications such as MRICS/RICS, CCP (Certified Cost Professional), PMP, AACE Certifications, or equivalent will be an added advantage.
Why join Cushman & Wakefield?
As one of the leading global real estate services firms transforming the way people work, shop and live, working at Cushman & Wakefield means you will benefit from:
Being part of a growing global company.
Career development and promotion-from-within culture.
An organization committed to Diversity and Inclusion.
We're committed to providing work-life balance for our people in an inclusive, rewarding environment.
We achieve this by providing a flexible and agile work environment by focusing on technology and autonomy to help our people achieve their career ambitions. We focus on career progression and foster a promotion-from-within culture, leveraging global opportunities to ensure we retain our top talent. We encourage continuous learning and development opportunities to develop personal, professional, and technical capabilities, and we reward our employees with a comprehensive benefits program.
INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”
