Senior Cost Specialist - Benchmarking

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 - Benchmarking to provide program-level cost intelligence, benchmarking analytics, and strategic cost advisory services in support of a national science and research facility renewal program.
This role is essential to enabling data-driven decision-making across the program. The successful candidate will develop and maintain cost benchmarking databases, perform comparative cost analysis across projects and regions, analyze market conditions and cost escalation trends, and provide cost insights that inform strategic planning, budgeting, and cost validation at the program level. Fluency in French is strongly preferred to support bilingual program requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Benchmarking and Cost Intelligence

• Develop, maintain, and continuously enhance cost benchmarking databases and analytical frameworks
• Perform comparative cost analysis across projects, facility types, regions, and market conditions
• Establish and maintain cost benchmarks for key building elements, systems, and facility typologies
• Support early-stage cost planning, budget validation, and investment case development with data-driven cost insights
• Identify cost trends, anomalies, and opportunities for cost optimization across the program portfolio

Cost Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze cost escalation trends, market conditions, supply chain dynamics, and regional cost variations
• Prepare cost intelligence reports, market analysis reports, and benchmarking summaries for program leadership
• Provide cost insights and recommendations to support strategic and operational decision-making
• Develop standardized cost metrics, indices, and reporting frameworks for program-wide use

Program Support and Governance

• Support governance reviews, funding approvals, and program-level financial reporting requirements
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of cost management standards and processes
• Support reporting and communication as required by program stakeholders

Key Deliverables

• Cost benchmarking databases and analytical frameworks
• Benchmarking reports and comparative cost analyses
• Cost intelligence and market analysis reports
• Cost escalation and trend analysis reports
• Standardized cost metrics and program-level cost indices
• Executive-level cost intelligence summaries

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Economics, 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 with a strong focus on cost benchmarking and analytics
• Demonstrated experience in cost data management, market analysis, and comparative cost studies
• Experience supporting large capital programs or multi-project portfolio environments
• Experience in institutional, laboratory, healthcare, or complex infrastructure sectors preferred

Language

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

Technical Competencies

• Expert-level cost analysis, benchmarking, and data analytics skills
• Strong knowledge of construction cost drivers, market dynamics, and escalation factors
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, data visualization tools, and cost databases
• Familiarity with statistical analysis methodologies and cost modeling techniques

Professional Competencies

• Strong analytical, strategic, and critical thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (French strongly preferred)
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders
• High degree of professional integrity, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail

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.