Senior Manager, Project Controls (Cost)

Cushman & Wakefield•Atlanta, GA

1d•$157,250 - $185,000

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Project Controls (Cost) serves as a key client-facing leader responsible for managing cost performance across large capital projects and programs. This role partners closely with project teams and stakeholders to deliver actionable cost insights, mitigate financial risks, and support informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead cost management efforts and mentor junior team members in a complex project environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, or a related field.
10+ years of progressive experience in project controls, cost management, cost engineering, financial analysis, or construction project management supporting large capital projects.
Demonstrated experience developing and managing project budgets, forecasts, cost reports, and financial performance metrics throughout the project lifecycle.
Experience working within complex, cross-functional, matrixed project environments.
Strong understanding of project controls principles, including budgeting, forecasting, cost tracking, change management, and performance reporting.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and project controls or cost management software applications.
Construction industry experience required; life sciences, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, data center, pharmaceutical, or industrial project experience strongly preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate financial and cost performance information to project teams, clients, and leadership stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Cost Professional), PMP, EVP, or related credentials are preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and maintain project cost control processes, procedures, and reporting tools for large-scale capital projects and programs.
Serve as a trusted advisor to project stakeholders by providing cost management expertise, forecasting insights, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
Develop and maintain project budgets, cost plans, forecasts, and cash flow analyses aligned with program and project objectives.
Monitor project cost performance against approved budgets and identify variances, trends, risks, and opportunities.
Support the development and implementation of project controls standards, methodologies, and best practices related to cost management.
Analyze project expenditures, commitments, accruals, and forecasted costs to ensure accurate financial reporting.
Collaborate with project managers, estimators, schedulers, procurement teams, and construction teams to ensure alignment between cost, schedule, and project performance.
Prepare and deliver periodic cost reports, budget updates, forecasting analyses, dashboards, and executive-level summaries.
Evaluate changes in project scope and assess potential cost impacts while maintaining accurate records of budget modifications and approvals.
Support project risk management activities by identifying cost-related risks and developing mitigation strategies.
Review contractor payment applications, change orders, and cost proposals for accuracy and alignment with project budgets.
Perform cost trend analysis and provide recommendations to improve project financial performance and cost predictability.
Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and credibility of project cost data and reporting.
Support project governance reviews by providing financial performance insights and cost management recommendations.
Mentor and provide guidance to junior project controls and cost management professionals.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to project controls systems, reporting processes, data analytics, and cost management best practices.