Cost Engineer

Cost Manager

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Cost Manager to join our team. This role involves delivering controls and cost management services across various industries including office, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, life sciences, education, and mixed-use projects. The position is based in Chicago with a somewhat hybrid schedule, requiring travel to sites 2-3 times a week.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to establish and track project budgets.
• Maintain project cost control reports, tracking actual costs against estimated budgets.
• Review and assess scopes of work to ensure comprehensive coverage and cost accounting.
• Identify and analyze potential risks impacting project deliverables, timelines, or budgets.
• Prepare detailed construction and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final documents.
• Research local market pricing for materials, labor, and equipment.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor their implementation.
• Coordinate with stakeholders for accurate and timely project status updates.
• Review project documentation for compliance with standards.
• Collaborate with teams to implement lessons learned and best practices.
• Stay updated with industry trends and best practices related to project controls.

Essential

Skills:

• 5-10 years of experience as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or similar role.
• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Ability to communicate analyzed data effectively to clients and teams.
• Strong knowledge of architectural drawings and planning concepts.
• Highly organized with strong analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of interacting with executive-level clients and teams.
• Ability to generate AACE level 1-5 cost evaluations.
• Expertise in estimating software and benchmarking tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Leadership skills to lead teams and interact with clients.

Additional Skills &

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Cost-X, On-Screen Takeoff, or other estimating software.
• Professional certification in project management (e.g., AACE, RICS).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Intermediate to expert level proficiency in Excel, Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Smartsheet.
• Expert understanding of building systems, MEPFS, and architectural elements.
• Familiarity with procurement and tendering processes.

Work Environment:

The position is based in the Chicago office with a flexible hybrid schedule.

Job Type &

Location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/hr individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type:

This is a hybrid position in Chicago, IL.

Final date to receive applications:

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 2026.

About Actalent:

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients…