The Opportunity The Senior Cost Manager will lead cost management, estimating, and change control activities embedded within a major client's project environment. This role is central to maintaining continuity, accuracy, and trust in the client relationship, and requires a seasoned cost professional who can operate independently in an owner-side or embedded consulting capacity.
Location & TravelThis is a full-time, hybrid position based in Calgary, Alberta (minimum 3 days/week in-office). The role also requires regular travel to client offices (1-2 days/week) and periodic travel outside the province as needed.
Key Responsibilities - Lead cost management and cost reporting activities for assigned project(s), ensuring accuracy and timeliness of deliverables.
- Develop, maintain, and refine project cost estimates and forecasts throughout the project lifecycle.
- Manage change control processes, including tracking, evaluating, and reporting on scope and cost changes.
- Support risk management activities and contribute to cost risk analysis where required.
- Serve as a trusted day-to-day contact for client stakeholders, maintaining strong working relationships and ensuring continuity of service.
- Act as a trusted extension of the client's team, proactively identifying and addressing cost-related concerns to maintain client confidence and satisfaction.
- Collaborate with scheduling and broader project controls team members to ensure alignment across cost, schedule, and risk.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior project controls staff, sharing cost management expertise and supporting their professional development.
- Travel regularly to client offices and other project locations as required, including out-of-province travel.
- Produce clear, accurate reporting and executive-level summaries on cost performance.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, contractual obligations, and applicable industry standards.
- Contribute to internal knowledge and tool development and best practice improvement within the cost management and estimating functions.
Qualifications & Experience - Minimum of 10 years of experience in cost management and estimating.
- Strong background in cost control, change management, and cost reporting, ideally within owner-side or embedded consulting environments.
- Extensive experience with quantity take-offs, measurement, and other cost estimating basics, including the application of AACE cost estimating best practices.
- Experience preparing and validating cost estimates across various levels of project definition (e.g., AACE estimate classes).
- Experience supporting contract administration, claims, and commercial negotiations.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related field, or equivalent working experience.
- RICS, PMI, or AACE certification (e.g., CCP) is a strong asset.
- Proficiency in cost management and estimating software and advanced Excel skills.
- Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) is an asset.
- Scheduling experience (Primavera P6, MS Project) is an asset.
- Experience with quantitative risk analysis (QCRA & ICSRA) is an asset.
- Experience in the oil & gas, and/or nuclear sectors is a strong asset.
- Strong command of change control processes and cost governance frameworks.
- Exceptional organizational and analytical skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport at senior client levels.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when representing Dokainish within a client's internal environment.
- Ability to manage priorities independently in a fast-paced consulting environment with minimal supervision.
- Must be legally eligible to work in Canada without sponsorship.
- Candidates must be based in or willing to independently relocate to Calgary, with flexibility for regular client-site and out-of-province travel.
We take immense pride in our high-performing, collaborative team. We recognize and value the uniqueness of every individual, and you'll be part of a growing consulting firm where your expertise will directly shape project outcomes and client success. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, mentor others, and grow your career in a dynamic, results-driven environment.
If you believe your skillset, drive, qualifications, and experience are a match, we welcome your application and look forward to hearing from you.
We thank all applicants for their interest in Dokainish & Company. Please note that only candidates selected for an initial interview will be contacted.
Notes:VACANCY STATUS: This posting is for a new position.
AI USAGE: This organization does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this particular open position. All applications are personally reviewed by our Talent Acquisition Team.
