Project Manager (Cost Manager)

Job Title: Project Manager - Non IT Job Description
We are seeking a highly experienced Project Manager specializing in cost management, with a strong background in both pre-contract and post-contract project management. This role is initially a contract-to-hire position, with the potential to transition into a permanent leadership role. The position involves managing and controlling project schedules, budgets, and risks throughout the project lifecycle. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 10 years of experience and a proven track record of successful project delivery.
Responsibilities
- Perform leadership responsibilities, including effective communication and relationship management.
- Contribute to identifying and attracting top talent.
- Manage and strategize one or more programs and/or complex projects.
- Mentor, develop, and oversee team members, serving as Team Lead.
- Innovate new concepts and ideas to enhance service quality.
- Maintain and develop client relationships, managing fiduciary responsibilities.
- Develop and implement strategies aligning with business goals.
- Attend and participate in industry conferences to influence reputation.
- Source new and cultivate existing client and business relationships.
- Lead project controls for multiple and complex projects.
- Prepare detailed construction cost and project cost estimates.
- Understand local market pricing for materials, labor, and equipment.
- Provide value engineering services and design option reviews.
- Identify and analyze potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Coordinate with stakeholders to provide project status updates.
- Prepare bid analysis and participate in reconciliations with contractors.
- Generate project progress reports and conduct project audits.
- Implement lessons learned and best practices on future projects.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends related to project controls.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
- Ability to generate AACE level 1-5 cost evaluations.
- Competence in using estimating software and benchmarking tools.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience in procurement and tendering processes.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- 10 years as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or similar role.
- Knowledge of Cost-X, On-Screen Takeoff, or other estimating software.
- Professional certification in project management (e.g., AACE, RICS).
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects.
Work Environment
The role requires occasional travel, approximately 25% of the time, and the typical working hours are from 8 am to 5 pm. The position may have the potential to be remote with occasional travel. The work environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring proactive communication and engagement with stakeholders. Dress code and specific equipment requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Houston, TX 77027.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $86.00 - $86.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX 77027.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.