Job Title
Cost Manager
Job Description Summary
Job Description
About the Role:
- Support the Development & Commercial Advisory team in delivering high-quality cost management and commercial advisory services for projects across Japan. The successful candidate will support project budgeting, cost estimating, procurement, contract administration, commercial management, and financial reporting across a variety of construction and development projects. This role is ideal for individuals with experience in construction, engineering, project management, procurement, commercial management, or consultancy environments who are interested in growing their commercial expertise.
Job Description
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Cost & Commercial Management
• Prepare cost estimates, budgets, cost plans, quotations, and tender documentation throughout the project lifecycle
• Support quantity measurement, valuation, and cost analysis of construction works
• Assist in developing and maintaining project budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections
• Monitor project costs and support financial reporting to clients and stakeholders
• Analyze market trends including labor rates, material pricing, subcontractor costs, and procurement strategies
• Review contractor and subcontractor quotations and support benchmark analyses
• Assist with the evaluation of variation orders, change requests, and their commercial impacts
• Support negotiations with contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants
• Participate in project meetings, design reviews, and commercial discussions
• Contribute to value engineering and cost optimization initiatives
• Assist clients in identifying opportunities to improve project cost efficiency while maintaining project objectives
• Provide support on commercial matters throughout project delivery
Contract Management
• Assist in the preparation, review, administration, and management of construction contracts
• Support contractual compliance and documentation throughout the project lifecycle
• Identify commercial risks and assist in developing mitigation strategies
• Support the management and resolution of contractual issues, claims, disputes, and variations
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, contractors, vendors, and suppliers on commercial and contractual matters
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to contracts and commercial activities
Project Delivery Support
• Collaborate with project teams and clients through key meetings, workshops, and design reviews
• Support procurement activities and tender evaluations
• Contribute to project planning, budgeting, and commercial decision-making
• Ensure accurate reporting and communication of project commercial status
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and project stakeholders
Compliance & Quality Assurance
• Ensure all commercial and procurement activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards, and company policies
• Support quality assurance processes relating to commercial and cost management activities
• Maintain accurate, auditable, and organized project records and documentation
Key Competencies
• Cost Management
• Commercial Management
• Cost Estimating & Budgeting
• Procurement & Tendering
• Contract Administration
• Financial Analysis & Reporting
• Stakeholder Management
• Communication Skills (Written and Verbal)
• Negotiation Skills
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Teamwork Orientation
• Multi-Tasking
Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction, Architecture, Project Management, Business, Finance, or a related discipline
Required Qualifications
• Business level English and conversational level Japanese or higher
• Experience in cost management, estimating, procurement, commercial management, project controls, construction, engineering, project management, or a related field
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic project environment
• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience preparing budgets, cost estimates, tenders, proposals, or commercial reports
• Knowledge of construction contracts, procurement, cost control, or project delivery processes
• Experience working with contractors, consultants, developers, owners, or project teams
• Experience in a consultancy, client-facing, or professional services environment
• Understanding of the Japan construction market and project delivery practices
• Professional certifications related to construction, engineering, project management, procurement, or commercial management are advantageous
Why Join Us
• Opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of construction and development projects
• Exposure to clients, contractors, consultants, and project stakeholders across multiple sectors
• Collaborative and international work environment
• Opportunity to develop expertise in commercial management, project delivery, and cost advisory services
• Clear career progression and professional development opportunities
INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”