Project Controls Manager / Cost Manager

Cost Manager is responsible for the complete cost management system across all trade contracts: baseline budget, subcontract buyout log, monthly trade pay applications (15–25 simultaneous), retainage tracking, lien waiver collection, change order management, cash flow forecasting, and monthly financial reporting to ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain the project cost baseline and cost breakdown structure (CBS) aligned to

the trade contract package structure

• Maintain the subcontract buyout log: track each trade package from bid through award; flag

budget-vs-awarded variances immediately

• Set up and manage individual schedules of values (SOV) for each of the 15–25 trade

contracts; require AIA G703 format from all trades

• Process monthly trade contractor pay applications: verify quantities against work in place

(coordinating with Sr. CM for field verification), calculate retainage, and prepare payment

recommendation for Principal approval

• Track retainage separately for each trade contract; manage retainage release process at

substantial completion per contract terms

• Collect and log conditional and unconditional lien waivers from every trade contractor and

their material suppliers each month — no payment releases without current waivers

• Verify trade contractor insurance certificates (GL, workers comp, auto, umbrella) are current

and compliant before each monthly payment; flag lapses immediately

• Manage the complete change order log across all trade contracts: receive PCOs, verify field

quantities with Sr. CM, price-check against subcontract unit prices and RSMeans, and

prepare change order recommendations

• Prepare monthly Owner Cost Report: budget-vs-actual by trade package, contingency

drawdown, change order exposure, cash flow forecast, and cost-to-complete

• Maintain the project cash flow S-curve; update monthly and flag any deviation from baseline

Required Qualifications

• 5–10 years construction cost management or project controls on projects $10M+

• Multi-prime or CM at-Risk delivery experience strongly preferred — must understand direct

trade contracting, not just GC subcontract administration

• Experience processing multiple simultaneous trade pay applications; comfortable managing

15–25 payment streams monthly

• Thorough understanding of lien waiver types (conditional/unconditional, progress/final) and

Texas lien law basics

• Strong Excel skills — can build and maintain a multi-trade cost tracking workbook from

scratch

• Proficiency in Procore cost management module for pay app processing and change order

tracking

• Familiar with AIA contract structure (A101, A201 adapted for multi-prime), general conditions,

and change directive processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Earned Value Management (EVM) certification or demonstrated EVM application on prior

projects

• Experience with Procore cost management module — processing trade pay apps, change

orders, and budget tracking inside Procore

• AACE International certification (PSP or CCP) — preferred but not required

• Working knowledge of Texas lien law and lien waiver requirements — important on a multiprime project with no GC holding subcontractor lien exposure

• Healthcare, hospitality, or institutional sector experience

Certifications

• AACE PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional) or CCP (Certified Cost Professional) —

preferred

• PMP — a plus; not required

•\tGround-floor opportunity at a growing firm — you will help shape the culture, processes, and client relationships. Unique focus on better design and foster Efficiency both in design and execution by acting as Owner's Rep and Construction Management.
•\tCertification support — CVAL pays for certification renewal for all team members
•\tCompetitive compensation with performance bonuses tied to project outcomes
•\tHealth insurance, 401(k), 3 weeks PTO
•\tWork on landmark projects — CVAL's current flagship is 1910 built 12-floor historic hotel renovation in San Antonio. Current large project is another 11-floor Hilton hotel located in Dallas. There are multiple small projects.