Budget and Cost Manager (Aviation Infrastructure)

We are seeking a Budget and Cost Manager with demonstrated experience supporting large-scale aviation infrastructure or airport capital improvement programs . Based in Austin, TX, this role is responsible for overseeing cost controls, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting across aviation-focused construction or development projects.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring fiscal accountability and program success through proactive management of budget development, change control, and cost performance tracking. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of cost control processes in the aviation sector, and experience collaborating with owners, consultants, contractors, and funding stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Budget Oversight

• Lead the preparation, monitoring, and maintenance of capital project and program-level budgets.
• Develop baseline budgets and update forecasts based on project performance, market trends, and scope changes.
• Work closely with financial teams to ensure alignment with funding sources, grants, and fiscal policy.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and justification for budget revisions and contingency use.

Cost Management

• Implement and manage cost control systems and tools to monitor project expenditures and commitments.
• Track actuals vs. forecasted costs; provide variance analysis and trend reports.
• Evaluate change orders for cost impact and alignment with contractual terms.
• Work with project teams and contractors to validate payment applications and cost breakdowns.

Reporting & Forecasting

• Generate regular cost reports, dashboards, and executive-level summaries.
• Perform cash flow forecasting, earned value analysis, and risk-based cost assessments.
• Support capital planning cycles with historical and projected cost data insights.
• Collaborate with finance, procurement, and program leadership on performance tracking.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Coordinate with internal departments, consultants, and contractors to ensure financial transparency and reporting accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal funding requirements, especially for aviation-related programs.
• Assist with external audits and grant reporting tied to capital project funding.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in cost management and budgeting for infrastructure or construction projects.
• 3+ years of experience specifically supporting aviation or airport development projects.
• Proficiency in project financial tools (e.g., Excel, e-Builder, Procore, Unifier, or equivalent).
• Deep understanding of capital budgeting, forecasting, earned value analysis, and change management processes.
• Familiarity with public sector funding and procurement practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting airport clients, public agencies, or aviation consultants.
• Understanding of FAA AIP, PFC, and other aviation funding sources.
• PMP, CCP (Certified Cost Professional), or equivalent certification preferred.
• Experience with Power BI, Oracle P6, or other project control/reporting tools.