Commercial / Cost Manager

Parsons is seeking a highly experienced Commercial / Cost Manager to join our Federal Solutions team. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in cost management, change order review, claims analysis, and Earned Value Management on complex industrial and federal projects. 

Parsons delivers programs on secure federal installations and complex industrial sites where commercial discipline is essential. Candidates must be commercially astute, detail-oriented, and effective communicators in multi-party environments. 

An attractive Parsons compensation and benefits package is offered. This role provides the opportunity to lead commercial and cost functions on major defense and industrial manufacturing programs while strengthening Parsons’ project controls capabilities. 

Position requires coordination with project teams at client and federal facilities, with travel as needed to support cost reviews, change negotiations, and commercial discussions. 

This position is based near Little Rock, Arkansas and is part of a 4–5 year contract. During the first year, remote work is permitted. After the first year, the selected candidate will be required to either reside within commuting distance of Little Rock, AR or be willing to relocate to the area.

What You'll Be Doing: 

Commercial / Cost Managers protect the client’s commercial interests by establishing robust cost baselines, rigorously reviewing changes and claims, and providing clear financial forecasting and reporting. You will work closely with project management, contracts, and discipline teams to maintain cost control and support successful project outcomes.

• Establish and maintain project cost baselines, budgets, and forecasts for complex industrial and federal manufacturing programs. 

• Lead change order review, evaluation, and recommendation processes. 

• Analyze and support the defense or negotiation of contractor claims; protect the client from unjustified cost escalations. 

• Implement and manage Earned Value Management (EVM) processes and reporting. 

• Prepare clear cost reports, variance analyses, and commercial briefings for project leadership and clients. 

• Support procurement and contract administration activities from a cost and commercial perspective. 

• Coordinate with scheduling and project management to ensure integrated cost and schedule performance visibility. 

• Review contractor payment applications and support accurate progress payment certification. 

• Mentor junior commercial and cost personnel and promote consistent commercial practices. 

• Additional office locations or hybrid arrangements may be considered upon request consistent with project demands. 

What Required Skills You'll Bring: 

• 10+ years of experience in contract, budget, and cost management for public or private sector industrial or infrastructure projects. 

• Proven track record as a team leader in procurement procedures and change/claims management for construction works. 

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field. 

• Strong experience with change order evaluation, claims analysis, and Earned Value Management. 

• Excellent analytical, commercial, and written communication skills. 

• Ability to work effectively with multi-party teams including owners, contractors, and government stakeholders.

• Must be able to pass a general background check. 

• Must be able to speak fluent English (ability to speak Korean is a plus) 

• Ability and willingness to support on-site commercial and cost activities at client and federal facilities as required. 

What Desired Skills You'll Bring: 

• CPA, Certified Cost Engineer (CCE), or equivalent commercial/cost certification preferred. 

• Prior experience on defense manufacturing, high-hazard process, or large industrial facility projects.

• Familiarity with FIDIC or similar international contract conditions is advantageous.

• Experience supporting claims avoidance and dispute resolution.