Cost Manager / Estimator / Quantity Surveyor (San Francisco)
Construction Irish - USA, San Francisco, CA, United States
Location:
San Francisco, CA (Hybrid/On-site)
Role Type:
Full-Time
Sector:
Owner’s Representative / Project Management Consultancy
Project Focus:
Commercial Tenant Improvement (TI)
Position Overview
We are seeking high-caliber
Cost Managers
and an
Associate Director
to join our San Francisco team. Operating as a key representative for our clients (Owners/Developers), you will lead the financial management of complex Tenant Improvement (TI) projects.
This role requires a blend of technical estimating precision and strategic commercial management. For the
Associate Director
level, we are looking for a player/coach who can lead high-stakes projects, mentor junior staff, and refine internal cost management processes.
Key Responsibilities
Budgeting & Estimating:
Develop detailed conceptual budgets and cost estimates from early-stage design through construction documents for high-end TI projects.
Procurement & Tendering:
Lead the contractor pre-qualification process, manage bid leveling, and provide recommendations for award.
Post-Contract Management:
Manage monthly valuations, change order reviews, and progress payments to ensure the project remains within the approved budget.
Risk Management:
Identify financial risks early and provide mitigation strategies; maintain robust contingency management.
Client Advisory:
Act as a trusted advisor to the Owner, providing clear financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, and value engineering options.
Leadership (Associate Director level):
Manage a small team of cost professionals, oversee resource allocation, and contribute to business development and client relationship management.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
Experience:
Senior Cost Manager:
5–7 years of experience in cost management or estimating.
Associate Director:
7–12 years of experience, with a proven track record of managing people and multi-million dollar project portfolios.
Sector Expertise:
Strong background in
Commercial Tenant Improvements (TI) . Experience with high-spec office fit-outs, tech campuses, or retail TI is highly preferred.
Professional Accreditation:
RICS (MRICS/FRICS)
status is highly preferred. We will also consider candidates currently pursuing RICS chartership or those with a strong background in traditional Quantity Surveying.
Software Proficiency:
Expert level in Excel; proficiency with estimating software (e.g., CostX, On-Center, Bluebeam).
Local Market Knowledge:
Strong understanding of the San Francisco/Bay Area labor market and subcontractor landscape.
The Ideal Candidate
Analytical Mindset:
You enjoy the nitty-gritty of a spreadsheet but can communicate the big picture to a client.
Negotiation Skills:
Ability to challenge general contractors on pricing and change orders fairly but firmly.
Player/Coach Mentality (AD Level):
You are comfortable leading a client meeting in the morning and diving into a detailed take-off in the afternoon.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary on offer for both Cost Manager & Ad Role
Comprehensive benefits package (Healthcare, 401k match, PTO).
Professional development support for RICS/AACE certifications.
Opportunity to work on landmark projects for some of the world’s most recognizable brands in San Francisco.
San Francisco, CA (Hybrid/On-site)
Role Type:
Full-Time
Sector:
Owner’s Representative / Project Management Consultancy
Project Focus:
Commercial Tenant Improvement (TI)
Position Overview
We are seeking high-caliber
Cost Managers
and an
Associate Director
to join our San Francisco team. Operating as a key representative for our clients (Owners/Developers), you will lead the financial management of complex Tenant Improvement (TI) projects.
This role requires a blend of technical estimating precision and strategic commercial management. For the
Associate Director
level, we are looking for a player/coach who can lead high-stakes projects, mentor junior staff, and refine internal cost management processes.
Key Responsibilities
Budgeting & Estimating:
Develop detailed conceptual budgets and cost estimates from early-stage design through construction documents for high-end TI projects.
Procurement & Tendering:
Lead the contractor pre-qualification process, manage bid leveling, and provide recommendations for award.
Post-Contract Management:
Manage monthly valuations, change order reviews, and progress payments to ensure the project remains within the approved budget.
Risk Management:
Identify financial risks early and provide mitigation strategies; maintain robust contingency management.
Client Advisory:
Act as a trusted advisor to the Owner, providing clear financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, and value engineering options.
Leadership (Associate Director level):
Manage a small team of cost professionals, oversee resource allocation, and contribute to business development and client relationship management.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
Experience:
Senior Cost Manager:
5–7 years of experience in cost management or estimating.
Associate Director:
7–12 years of experience, with a proven track record of managing people and multi-million dollar project portfolios.
Sector Expertise:
Strong background in
Commercial Tenant Improvements (TI) . Experience with high-spec office fit-outs, tech campuses, or retail TI is highly preferred.
Professional Accreditation:
RICS (MRICS/FRICS)
status is highly preferred. We will also consider candidates currently pursuing RICS chartership or those with a strong background in traditional Quantity Surveying.
Software Proficiency:
Expert level in Excel; proficiency with estimating software (e.g., CostX, On-Center, Bluebeam).
Local Market Knowledge:
Strong understanding of the San Francisco/Bay Area labor market and subcontractor landscape.
The Ideal Candidate
Analytical Mindset:
You enjoy the nitty-gritty of a spreadsheet but can communicate the big picture to a client.
Negotiation Skills:
Ability to challenge general contractors on pricing and change orders fairly but firmly.
Player/Coach Mentality (AD Level):
You are comfortable leading a client meeting in the morning and diving into a detailed take-off in the afternoon.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary on offer for both Cost Manager & Ad Role
Comprehensive benefits package (Healthcare, 401k match, PTO).
Professional development support for RICS/AACE certifications.
Opportunity to work on landmark projects for some of the world’s most recognizable brands in San Francisco.