Senior Cost Specialist

About us:

Since 2011 Dokainish & Company has been providing world class professional consultancy services.    

We specialize in working diligently and collaboratively with our clients to achieve long-lasting and impactful results across numerous business functions. Our areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, Project Controls, Project Management, Quantitative Risk Analysis, Organizational Change Management, Enterprise Reporting, Estimating, Asset Management, and System Implementation for Capital Projects. We draw upon decades of project experience to deliver customized solutions to our clients' most complex challenges. 
Position Overview

Dokainish & Company is seeking a Senior Cost Specialist - Architectural & Structural to provide senior-level cost management consulting services in support of a national capital renewal program for science and research facilities. This program encompasses laboratories, research institutions, and specialized technical environments requiring complex architectural, structural, and building envelope interventions.
The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering accurate, reliable, and transparent cost planning, cost estimating, cost assurance, and cost control services across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and concept design through procurement, construction, and closeout. This is a high-impact role requiring technical depth, commercial acumen, and the ability to operate effectively within a multi-stakeholder program environment.

Cost Planning and Estimating

• Develop comprehensive cost estimates (Class D through Class A) in accordance with industry standards, program requirements, and CIQS guidelines
• Prepare detailed elemental cost plans, quantity take-offs, and cost breakdown structures for architectural and structural scope
• Provide cost input and advisory services during feasibility studies, concept design, schematic design, detailed design, and construction documentation phases
• Validate design assumptions against cost benchmarks and provide cost optimization and value engineering recommendations
• Support the development and validation of project budgets and program-level cost plans, ensuring alignment with funding envelopes and strategic objectives

Cost Control and Commercial Oversight

• Monitor project costs against approved budgets and forecasts, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions
• Review and validate contractor bids, proposals, claims, and change order submissions for accuracy, completeness, and reasonableness
• Conduct cost variance analysis and trend analysis to identify potential cost risks, exposures, and mitigation strategies
• Provide independent cost assurance and financial oversight to support program governance and accountability
• Support procurement processes, including bid evaluation, financial analysis, and recommendation of award

Program Controls and Reporting

• Prepare cost reports, cost forecasts, cash flow projections, and executive summaries for program leadership and governance bodies
• Maintain cost tracking systems, historical cost databases, and benchmarking libraries
• Support governance reviews, funding approvals, audit processes, and financial reporting requirements
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of cost management processes, tools, templates, and standards

Stakeholder Coordination

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, architects, schedulers, procurement specialists, and program leadership
• Provide expert cost advice and strategic recommendations to support operational and investment decision-making
• Participate in project meetings, design reviews, risk workshops, and governance reviews
• Communicate complex cost information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences

• Cost estimates and elemental cost plans (Class D through Class A)
• Cost analysis, benchmarking, and value engineering reports
• Cost forecasts, variance reports, and trend analyses
• Procurement cost evaluations and bid analysis reports
• Executive-level cost summaries and program financial reports
• Cash flow projections and funding drawdown schedules

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related discipline

Certifications/Other

• CIQS designation (Professional Quantity Surveyor, PQS) Required
• Additional certifications (e.g., AACE, RICS) considered an asset
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain Federal Government Reliability Status security clearance

Experience

• Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive cost consulting experience in the construction or infrastructure sector
• Demonstrated experience supporting institutional, laboratory, healthcare, or complex infrastructure capital projects
• Experience working within large capital programs or multi-project portfolio environments
• Full project lifecycle experience, from planning and design through procurement, construction, and closeout
• Experience working within public sector or government-funded program environments considered a strong asset
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain Federal Government Reliability Status security clearance

Language

• Fluency in French (written and verbal) is strongly preferred
• Full professional proficiency in English is required

• Expert-level cost estimating, cost planning, and quantity surveying skills
• Strong knowledge of architectural and structural systems, construction methodologies, and building envelope technologies
• Proficiency with industry cost estimating software and advanced Microsoft Excel
• Familiarity with project controls software and enterprise cost management systems

• Strong financial analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in complex, fast-paced program environments
• High degree of professional integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to quality

Note: This role description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or qualifications required. 

If you believe your skillset, drive, qualifications, and experience is a match, we welcome your application and can't wait to hear from you.  

We thank all applicants for their interest in joining Dokainish & Company. Please note only those candidates considered for an initial interview will be contacted. 

Notes:
VACANCY STATUS: This posting is for a new position.
AI USAGE: This organization does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this particular open position. All applications are personally reviewed by our Talent Acquisition Team.

Dokainish & Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, gender, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age and veteran status, or any other protected status required by applicable law.  

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and Dokainish & Company AODA Policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance