Cost Consultant

Mace•Los Angeles, CA

23h

About The Position

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition by creating responsible places and bringing transformative impact to people, communities, and societies. Within the consult business, Mace combines practical expertise with project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project. The Cost Consultant provides cost consultancy and cost management services across project delivery. The role covers feasibility, procurement, value management, estimating and cost planning, contract administration, valuations, cost control, financial reporting, claims, completion and final accounts. It also contributes to process improvements, supports junior colleagues, manages stakeholder relationships, and works collaboratively to identify and manage carbon emissions and reductions.

Requirements

Proven experience in cost consultancy and cost management, including cost planning, budgeting and estimating.
A relevant degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management or a related discipline, or an equivalent professional qualification.
Strong understanding of project costs, programme timescales, and associated delivery and commercial risks.
Experience working with a range of contract types and methods of measurement.
Sound knowledge of contract administration and contract management, with the ability to provide appropriate commercial and contractual advice.
Strong analytical, negotiation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret cost and commercial information effectively.
Good digital capability and experience using relevant cost management, reporting and project systems.
Strong knowledge and experience within the relevant construction, infrastructure or property sector.
Relevant professional membership, such as MRICS/RICS or equivalent, or actively working toward professional accreditation.
Relevant technical qualifications or certifications applicable to the project or sector.
Experience supporting, mentoring and developing Graduate Trainees and Assistant Cost Consultants.
Ability to identify and implement service and process improvements, including effective use of digital solutions such as BIM.
Demonstrated commitment to professional development, collaboration and an inclusive working environment.

Responsibilities

Conduct feasibility studies, advise on procurement strategies and contract selection, and prepare procurement reports.
Apply value management techniques at the outset of a project.
Manage estimating and cost planning activities, taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan.
Assist with procurement and selection of the main contractor.
Prepare contract documents, warranties, bonds and licenses, and assist with their formal execution by the appropriate parties.
Advise on administration of the terms of the building contract.
Measure and provide valuations of work carried out, adjust variations in accordance with the contract, and agree them with the contractor.
Provide cost control and reporting services during the contract.
Prepare financial reports for the client in the required form and at the required frequency.
Identify costs associated with design changes, contract awards, construction activities and client charges.
Participate in evaluating claims for delay and additional costs made by the contractor and nominated subcontractors or suppliers.
Advise on issuing certificates of practical completion and ensure final accounts are negotiated and agreed.
Advise on issuing certificates of making good defects and final completion in accordance with completion, submission and approval requirements.
Deliver improvements in systems and processes and drive transformational change.
Provide guidance and direction to Assistant Cost Consultants and other junior team members.
Provide informal mentoring and training to junior team members.
Seek opportunities for continuous improvement and improved working processes.
Develop effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and manage stakeholders.
Work collaboratively toward the net zero carbon transition and proactively identify and manage associated carbon emissions and reductions during delivery of work.