Commercial Cost & Contract Manager (Construction)

NewCold • Chicago, IL

3d

About The Position

NewCold is seeking an analytically sharp and contractually strong Commercial Cost & Contract Manager to support large-scale coldstore development projects across the United States and Canada. The role focuses on administering construction contracts and critically analyzing and negotiating Change Orders with general contractors and direct contractors, in collaboration with the Project Director and wider team. It provides accurate financial insights and ensures variations are contractually justified, accurately priced, and compliant with agreed project frameworks.

The role also manages NewCold’s standard Design-Build construction contracts throughout the project lifecycle, supports dispute avoidance and claims management, and advises construction leadership on delivery methods and contract drafting. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, and requires willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to project sites across the United States.

Requirements

• 3 to 5 years of experience in construction cost management or quantity surveying, with a strong focus on contract administration and change order management.
• Proven experience with, or a strong affinity for, industrial construction or large-scale logistics real estate such as warehouses and distribution centers.
• Deep working knowledge of construction contracts, specifically Design-Build frameworks.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to project sites across the United States.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• AACE International certification, such as Certified Cost Professional (CCP), or PMP certification.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and audit change orders, claims, and directives submitted by the General Contractor and specialist contractors.
• Verify labor rates, material quantities, and equipment costs against the original contract, industry benchmarks, and market conditions.
• Negotiate disputed Change Orders and variations with General Contractors to protect the project budget.
• Manage and administer NewCold’s standard Design-Build construction contracts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure contractors adhere to contractual obligations, specifications, and timelines to prevent disputes and mitigate risks.
• Support dispute avoidance, claims management, and final account settlement.
• Provide regular financial updates, risk assessments, and Change Order reports to the Commercial Cost & Contract Manager.
• Advise construction leadership on project delivery methods and contract drafting to minimize potential change orders.
• Identify and budget for greenfield risks, including site development, zoning, infrastructure, and soil conditions, before contracts are finalized.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may enroll in competitive health insurance programs.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Life and disability insurance programs.
• Programs providing paid and unpaid time away from work.
• Four weeks of accrued Paid Time Off.
• Paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Bonus in addition to base pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level