Mid to Senior Cost Consultant

As a Mid to Senior Cost Consultant at MGAC, your primary responsibilities will include providing design stage cost planning and cost estimation, advising clients on cost drivers and market conditions, and participating in client meetings. You will be involved in quantity takeoffs, creating cost reports, and supporting proposal processes. Additionally, you will work with the accounting team and help chase projects while building important business development skills.

To be successful as a Mid to Senior Cost Consultant at MGAC, you should have at least 5 years of experience in cost estimating with a focus on construction. A degree in a construction-related discipline is necessary, along with strong skills in Excel. Familiarity with quantity takeoff software like Cost-X and Bluebeam would be beneficial, as well as an understanding of MEP systems and basic construction estimating metrics.

MGAC stands out as an exceptional workplace due to its employee-first culture and positive work environment. As a Mid to Senior Cost Consultant, you will enjoy a supportive team that values collaboration and innovation. With a history of being recognized as a Top Workplace, MGAC offers opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits, and a healthy work-life balance. Plus, fun and camaraderie among colleagues are integral to our culture!

The work environment for a Mid to Senior Cost Consultant at MGAC is vibrant and collaborative. You will work in a hybrid setup, with 2-3 days required on-site in Washington, DC, depending on client needs. The culture at MGAC fosters open communication, innovative thinking, and personal contributions, allowing you to thrive in your role while enjoying strong support from your peers and management.

MGAC provides excellent opportunities for career growth, especially for Mid to Senior Cost Consultants. You will have the chance to expand your skill set in Project Controls and engage in project management tasks. Additionally, networking opportunities, mentorship, and collaboration with various teams will further enhance your professional development. Your ideas will be valued, and there are plenty of chances for advancement in your career.

In your response, highlight your direct experiences with cost estimating, discuss specific projects you've worked on, and mention any software tools you’ve used, such as Excel, Cost-X, or Bluebeam. Provide specific examples of how you approached cost estimates and the challenges you overcame.

Discuss your methods for keeping up with industry trends, such as subscriptions to trade publications, participation in industry seminars, or networking events. Explain how this knowledge has informed your decision-making and cost estimation processes.

Demonstrate your communication skills by explaining how you ensure clarity and transparency when discussing costs with clients. Talk about how you involve clients in the process and keep them informed of any changes or updates related to costs.

Share a specific example of a challenging situation in cost estimating, the actions you took to resolve it, and the lessons you learned. Focus on how you adapted your approach to meet project demands and client expectations.

Discuss your experience with quantity takeoff software like Cost-X or Bluebeam. Explain how you've utilized these tools in past projects and the efficiencies they brought to your estimating processes.

Describe how you implement value engineering principles into your cost estimation process. Discuss how you identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality and how this benefits your clients.

Talk about the blend of technical and interpersonal skills necessary for the role. Highlight skills such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork, explaining why each is important to the success of a Cost Consultant.

Explain your process for managing change orders, including how you document changes, communicate with project stakeholders, and adjust estimates accordingly. Provide an example to illustrate your approach.

Discuss how collaboration leads to better outcomes for clients, enhances problem-solving, and fosters innovation. Give examples of how teamwork has improved the results of your previous projects.

Reflect on your values and career goals, and connect them to MGAC’s culture and mission. Explain how you see yourself contributing to the team and enhancing the client experience at MGAC.