About Me
My name is Mary Romeo and I am a qualified cost manager with over 15 years experience in the construction sector.
I have worked in retail, commercial, hospitality, and data centre markets across AMER and EMEA geographies. Even if your project sits outside of my direct experience, my developed skillset and well-rounded perspective enables me to understand your requirements and integrate quickly into your organisation.
Above all, I find genuine enjoyment in my career and I am grateful to work in such an exciting and progressive industry. Over the years, I have been fortunate to work with incredible people delivering best-in-class projects in partnership with transformative companies. I am committed to delivering exceptional work and I look forward to continuing this fulfilling career with future clients and partners.
Experience
Dovela Advisory
Jan 2026 - Present
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Owner
Freelance cost manager and commercial governance advisor providing services such as:
Cost management (project & portfolio)
Commercial governance, including process/framework development of change management, contingency expenditure, cost reporting, benchmarking, invoicing/billing management, and portfolio management
Rider Levett Bucknall
Mar 2023 - Dec 2025
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Senior Cost Manager
Conducted monthly audits of project cost reports for global portfolio (APAC, EMEA, AMER) in conjunction with preparation of monthly internal financial reporting for data centre client
Led the development of commercial governance framework and associated documentation, including bespoke cost report development, formation of cost breakdown structure (CBS), creation of change control process, risk management, global cashflow reporting, buildout of invoice actualisation procedures and other related functions for data centre and hospitality clients
Managed long-lead equipment procurement for data centre client on various technical packages in EMEA region, totalling approximately 240m EUR in contracts tendered and awarded
Performed portfolio and project cost management services for hospitality client over 6 properties throughout EMEA
Nike
May 2022 - May 2023
Hilversum, The Netherlands
EMEA Construction Cost Manager
Cost manager for EMEA flagship store construction projects, performing budget development, procurement, monthly valuation/billing, change management, and financial reporting for internal stakeholders
Management of external cost consultants and internal procurement managers
Assisted with development and implementation of bespoke commercial management software to improve efficiency of interdepartmental cost reporting
DPR Construction
Sept 2018 - May 2022
Washington, D.C.
Preconstruction Manager
Performed preconstruction, design management, master planning, and commercial management services for various clients in UK, NL and CH markets
Led estimation, supply chain development and procurement strategy for life science facility in Norway
Oversaw estimation and development of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposals and associated procurement strategy for over 650m EUR of project volume in data centre and commercial markets
Co-led EMEA preconstruction team and championed best practice efforts, including standardisation of tender practices, supply chain management, and historical cost database development
Project Engineer
Specialised in office and retail interior projects, ranging from $500k to $5m in project volume with average construction period of 4 months.
Performed technical submittal, Request for Information (RFI) and design management
Led scheduling and production planning sessions with subcontractor to develop construction programme
Bachelor of Science in Construction Science, Cum Laude
Minor Concentration: Business Management
Texas A&M University, 2008–2012
Education
LEED Green Associate
FIDIC Contracts (Level 1)
Certifications
Microsoft Office Suite and Systems, including Microsoft Project, Sharepoint & D365
Primavera
Procore
Smartsheet
Proficiencies