Cost Consultant

Mace•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At Mace, the purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition by creating responsible places and delivering transformative impact for people, communities, and societies. Within the consult business, the role combines practical expertise with project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in projects. The Cost Consultant undertakes cost consultancy and management work throughout project delivery, including feasibility studies, procurement advice, estimating and cost planning, contract administration, cost control, reporting, valuations, and final accounts. The role also supports continuous improvement, stakeholder relationships, and the development of junior team members. It contributes to the net zero carbon transition by helping identify and manage carbon emissions and reductions during work delivery.

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 in 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 and advise on procurement strategies and contract selection; write and undertake 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 building contract terms.
Measure and provide valuations of completed work, adjust variations in accordance with contract terms, 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.
Manage stakeholders.
Work collaboratively toward the net zero carbon transition and share responsibility for proactively identifying and managing associated carbon emissions and reductions during work delivery.