Cost Manager

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Building Design and Spatial Technology, and working within a team of experienced Cost Management professionals, the Cost Manager applies knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to provide expert cost management advice and consultation to representatives of the Ministry's various business areas, other Government Departments, and Supported Infrastructure Organizations. In doing so the Cost Manager is responsible for providing critical supports in the development of the Government of Alberta's capital plan, as well as the successful management of capital projects and capital grant programs.

By providing direction to and working collaboratively with stakeholders, this position supports clients to secure appropriate cost management services and provide training to clients in the use of cost management systems, tools, and techniques (cost models, plans, standards, guidelines, templates, etc.). The Cost Manager also has a crititcal quality assurance role, liasing with Ministry representatives and other clients to ensure cost management methodologies are used effectively and consistently.

The Cost Manager is also responsible for the procurement and management of consultant services used to provide timely cost management and research support with relation to capital planning and projects throughout the Government of Alberta, with a focus on education/school projects.

This position functions within the context of policies, directives, guidelines, and targets developed by Treasury Board and Finance, and Cabinet. Key pieces of legislation and policy that set parameters and expectations for the work of this position include the Government Accountability Act; the Financial Administration Act; Regulatory Reform initiatives; and policies and guidelines established by Cabinet, Alberta Finance and Enterprise with the input of the Auditor General, the Minister, and the Deputy Minister.

Key responsibilities for the Cost Manager include but are not limited to: 

• Researching and evaluating existing and emerging best practices relating to provision of cost management services, recommending the adoption of innovative practices, approaches, standards, templates, and tools.
• Performing troubleshooting for issues relating to the provision of services by cost management consultants.
• Providing training and guidance to clients as to use of cost management systems, cost models and cost plans, cost management standards and guidelines.
• Promoting collaboration within the Ministry and with Government departments, clients, stakeholders, and consultants to support achievement of  business plan goals and policies; providing leadership to and actively participating in internal and external committees and working groups.
• Performing quality assurance checks to ensure appropriate and consistent application of cost management tools by representatives of the Ministry, Government, and Supported Infrastructure Organizations.
• Providing feedback and input pertaining to techniques and tools (cost plan standards, templates, tools, business processes, and systems etc.) to support continuous improvement of the cost management system.

Role Responsibilities (cont'd)

The successful candidate will have:

• Leadership skills to provide direction and guidance to clients, particularly in relation to securing cost management consultant resources and ensuring quality assurance as to the use of the cost management.
• Consultation, collaboration, and interpersonal skills to deal effectively with complex and sensitive issues involving diverse clients with potentially conflicting perspectives, expectations, and requirements and to provide direct cost management services for assigned projects.
• Influencing skills, including ability to promote innovation, build consensus, and motivate others to accept and adopt new concepts and approaches.
• Time management and organizational skills, including ability to handle complex responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Verbal and written communication skills, including ability to develop and present alternatives and recommendations to clients and senior decision-makers.
• Professional judgment and decision-making skills, including ability to represent the unit, Section, and Ministry to clients and consultants.
• Organizational skills, including ability to provide expert consulting and advisory services while simultaneously providing direct cost management services for specific projects.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Systems Thinking: Integrates broader context into planning.
• Creative Problem Solving: Engages the community and resources at hand to address issues.
• Agility: Identifies and manages required change and the associated risks.
• Drive for Results: Takes and delegates responsibility for outcomes.
• Develop Networks: Leverages relationships to build input and perspective.

Qualifications

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Required:

• University graduation in related field, plus ten years related experience; or equivalent as described below.
• Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) designation from the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors.

 
Equivalency:

• Additional related education considered in lieu of experience on a one-for-one basis.

Experience:

• 10 years of related experience in vertical construction cost management services, as well as for high profile and complex projects requiring the application of professional cost management principles.
• Experience specific to the costing of educational facilities/schools would be considered an asset.

Preference:

• Knowledgeable and capable to credibly represent cost management principles, systems, and associated components to clients in a professional manner;
• Competency in client focus, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and an inherent focus on providing high quality expertise, guidance, and services to clients.

 
The Cost Manager requires in-depth knowledge of:

• The Ministry vertical infrastructure cost management system, including the application of associated templates, tools, standards, practices, cost models and plans, and business processes.
• Cost management principles and techniques associated with the provision of cost management services.
• Relevant private-sector cost management consulting resources.
• Macro economic factors and trends that impact capital construction costs, business models, and capital planning.

Notes

This position is a Permanent, Full Time role with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday (8:15 am – 4:30 pm).

Location: Edmonton, AB

Applicants are required to provide a cover letter and resume summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.