Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor

Role Overview

Arcadis is seeking an experienced Cost Manager or Quantity Surveyor to provide comprehensive cost management services for fit-out construction projects nationwide. The role spans estimating, detailed benchmarking, procurement, and construction-phase cost support, helping ensure transparency, accuracy, and value throughout each project.

As a member of the Cost Management team, you will lead the commercial aspects of project delivery as part of our team, working closely with clients, contractors, and stakeholders to provide clear cost analysis and practical guidance. Regular site presence is required to support delivery and maintain strong client relationships.

We are looking for a proven cost management professional with commercial real estate experience, strong stakeholder coordination skills, and the ability to promote transparent contractor engagement and successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Management

Lead recurring cost review meetings by setting agendas, defining objectives, and guiding informed decisions.
Facilitate value engineering, risk and contingency, and cost reconciliation discussions with clients, contractors, and design teams.
Present estimating methods and assumptions, and use data-driven analysis to evaluate scope, quantities, and pricing.
Reconcile internal and contractor estimates, resolving variances to reach agreed outcomes.

Cost Governance & Assurance

Oversee peer reviews and QA/QC processes, maintaining clear audit trails and compliance with client standards and procedures.

Commercial & Procurement Support

Support procurement strategy through bid evaluations, subcontractor and supplier quote reviews, and contract negotiations.
Evaluate change orders, track cost trends, and support negotiations.
Prepare clear cost reports, variance analyses, and dashboards, and communicate trends and forecasts effectively.
Close out contractor accounts upon completion

Collaboration

Obtain and review detailed contractor pricing to support transparent, validated costs.
Review drawings, specifications, and technical documents to confirm project scope.
Conduct regular site visits to support meetings and field verification.
Collaborate with project management, design, and client teams on budgeting, value engineering, and change management.
Use experience to identify and mitigate cost and constructability risks.

Key Skills & Attributes

Proactive, resourceful, and solutions oriented.
Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, conflict resolution, and executive presentation skills.
Strong understanding of complex construction processes and end-to-end cost management.
Expertise in design and tender preparation, supported by strong market knowledge of resources, materials, and equipment.
Ability to challenge assumptions and promote contractor transparency.
Proven relationship builder with experience converting client relationships into business opportunities.
Collaborative team player committed to project excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 8 years of relevant cost management experience, ideally in commercial real estate.
Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and present to executive audiences.
Experience obtaining and validating detailed cost breakdowns from contractors and subcontractors.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with proficiency in quantity takeoffs, cost reconciliations, and pricing reviews.
Proficiency with industry-standard cost and project management tools.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to travel regularly and maintain a strong site presence.
Ideally located in New York.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients, contractors, and internal teams.