Commercial Cost & Contract Manager (Construction)

Pay Range The typical pay range for this role is: $105,000 - $115,000 This position is eligible for a bonus in addition to the base pay range listed above. This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the salary band within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors. Benefits NewCold also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a full range of competitive benefit programs, generally including health insurance, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition, we offer employees 4 weeks of accrued Paid Time Off as well as paid holidays throughout the calendar year. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, and date of hire. Position Overview We are seeking an analytically sharp and contractually strong Commercial Cost Contract Manager to join our team in Chicago, IL. In this role, your primary focus will be on contract and cost management for large-scale coldstore development projects across the United States and Canada. Your main responsibility is to administer the contracts and critically analyze and negotiate Change Orders with GC and direct contractors in collaboration with the Project Director and wider team. You will provide the Project Director with accurate financial insights, ensuring that all variations are contractually justified, accurately priced, and fully compliant with the agreed project frameworks. Roles and Responsibilities • Change Order Analysis Variations Management o Critically reviewing, analyzing, and auditing all change orders, claims, and directives submitted by the General Contractor and specific specialist contractors. o Verifying labor rates, material quantities, and equipment costs against the original contract, industry benchmarks, and market conditions. o Leading commercially tough negotiations with General Contractors regarding disputed Change Orders and variations to protect the project budget. • Post-Contract Contract Management o Managing and administering the standard NewCold construction contracts (Design-Build frameworks) throughout the project lifecycle. o Ensuring the contractors strictly adhere to all contractual obligations, specifications, and timelines to prevent disputes and mitigate risks. o Support in dispute avoidance, claims management, and final account settlement. • Reporting Pre-Contract Planning o Providing regular financial updates, risk assessments, and Change Order reports to the Commercial Cost Contract Manager. o Advising the construction leadership team on project delivery methods and contract drafting to minimize potential change orders during construction. o Identifying and budgeting for specific greenfield risks (site development, zoning, infrastructure, soil conditions) before contracts are finalized. Requirements • Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in construction cost management or quantity surveying, with a proven track record heavily focused on contract administration and change order management. • Proven experience with (or a strong affinity for) industrial construction or large-scale logistics real estate (warehouses/DCs). • Deep working knowledge of construction contracts (specifically Design-Build frameworks). • Certification from AACE International (e.g., Certified Cost Professional - CCP) or PMP certification is a strong asset. • Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to project sites across the US. Education/Certification • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or related field. #NCAJ