Cost Manager
San Francisco (open to relocation or local candidates)
$100,000-$130,000 + Bonus

We are representing a rapidly expanding Cost Consultancy headquartered in New York, with additional offices across the Mid-West and West Coast. The business has undergone significant growth over the last few years and recently entered into a strategic partnership with a leading global consultancy, creating new opportunities for collaboration and international exposure.

The company delivers independent cost and project delivery services to a broad range of Fortune 500 clients, with a strong focus on technology, life sciences, real estate, and mission-critical sectors. They pride themselves on their collaborative, forward-thinking culture, reflecting that of their high-tech and life sciences client base, while providing excellent progression, responsibility, and learning opportunities to their team members.

The Role – Cost Manager

Based in San Francisco, this is an exciting opportunity to work on a large pharmaceutical campus project for one of the world's leading life sciences companies. Candidates already based in the Bay Area are welcome to apply, and relocation support is available for strong candidates coming from elsewhere. You'll gain exposure to a high-profile, mission-critical development encompassing lab, R&D, manufacturing, and office/amenity space, alongside the firm's broader portfolio of real estate projects spanning tech campuses and headquarters, retail, hotels, hospitality, and creative studio facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver cost management services on a large-scale pharmaceutical campus project, including lab, R&D, and GMP manufacturing space.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets, and cost plans, accounting for the specialized systems and compliance requirements typical of life sciences facilities.
• Manage tender processes, including preparation of documentation and contractor negotiations.
• Oversee post-contract services, including valuations, change management, and final accounts.
• Provide clear financial reporting to clients, ensuring transparency and confidence in project delivery.
• Support clients in decision-making through benchmarking, value engineering, and risk analysis.
• Act as a key client-facing representative, building long-term trusted relationships.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction, or a related discipline.
• 3–6 years of experience in cost management, ideally including exposure to life sciences, pharmaceutical, lab/R&D, or other mission-critical or commercial projects.
• Strong understanding of both pre- and post-contract phases.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• U.S. citizenship, existing right to work in the U.S., or eligibility for an E2/E3 visa.

Why Join?

• Be part of a consultancy with a start-up mentality, backed by the platform and resources of a global partner.
• Work on a high-profile pharmaceutical campus project, plus exposure to the firm's broader portfolio across tech offices, retail, hotels, hospitality, and creative studios.
• Relocation support available for candidates outside the Bay Area.
• Excellent career progression, with opportunities to take on early responsibility and lead client relationships.
• A collaborative, modern working culture designed to support professional growth.