Full Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director, Cost Management to join our Ottawa team and provide commercial leadership to a major public-sector client.
This role is ideal for a highly accomplished commercial or cost management professional with extensive experience delivering large-scale capital projects within the real estate, infrastructure, or public-sector environment. You will serve as a trusted advisor, providing strategic commercial guidance, supporting governance activities, managing commercial risk, and ensuring effective contract administration across complex project portfolios.
This position requires a minimum of four days per week onsite at the client's office.
Onsite requirements may change based on client needs.
As Associate Director, Cost Management, you will provide senior-level commercial leadership and advisory services to support the successful delivery of major capital projects and programs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing specialist commercial management advice and guidance to our public-sector client throughout the project lifecycle.
- Managing project budgets and overseeing commercial performance to ensure alignment with project objectives, governance requirements, and contractual obligations.
- Producing, reviewing, and presenting financial and commercial reports to support effective decision-making and stakeholder governance.
- Leading change control activities in accordance with contractual frameworks, including tracking and documenting changes, administering early warning provisions, evaluating commercial impacts, and negotiating contractual change.
- Supporting the management and mitigation of commercial risks while ensuring contractual compliance across project activities.
- Contributing to the defence and resolution of contract claims through the review and analysis of financial and commercial information.
- Acting as a key interface between Turner & Townsend and the client, fostering strong relationships and ensuring effective communication across stakeholder groups.
- Supporting the review, enhancement, and implementation of commercial processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and operational effectiveness.
- Building and maintaining trusted relationships with clients, partners, and key stakeholders while identifying opportunities to expand and strengthen client engagement.
- Mentoring and supporting the development of junior team members, promoting technical excellence and knowledge sharing.
- Supporting broader business management, operational priorities, and strategic growth initiatives within the Cost Management practice.
Qualifications
- Minimum 12 years of post-graduate experience in commercial management, cost management, contract management, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience managing the commercial aspects of complex, large-scale, multi-disciplinary real estate or capital projects.
- Proven experience providing commercial oversight on projects with values exceeding $100 million.
- Strong understanding of commercial governance, contract administration, cost control, change management, and risk management principles.
- Experience preparing and presenting commercial and financial information to senior stakeholders and project leadership teams.
- Exceptional relationship management, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within complex client environments and multidisciplinary project teams.
- Strong analytical capabilities and attention to detail with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
- Commitment to delivering exceptional client service and high-quality outcomes.
Education & Professional Accreditation
- A recognized degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, Commercial Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
- Professional accreditation such as:
- MRICS
- PQS
- CEC
- or equivalent professional designation
(International qualifications may require Canadian equivalency verification.)
Security Requirements
- Must possess, or be eligible to obtain, Government of Canada Reliability Status at a minimum.
- Existing Government of Canada Secret Clearance is considered a strong asset.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting federal government or broader public-sector capital programs.
- Demonstrated leadership experience within large project environments.
- Experience implementing commercial governance frameworks and process improvement initiatives.
- Familiarity with commercial and project management platforms such as CostX, Aconex, Unifier, or similar systems.
Additional Information
What's in it for you...
- 100% covered health and dental benefits for you and your dependents (including paramedical services)
- Health spending account, to top up expenses not covered in the benefits program
- RRSP option with company matching
- Annual learning and development budget
- Access to a range of online learning tools, and support for career development and growth
- Coverage of one professional membership or license fee per year, if directly related to your role
- We believe in work-life balance, so you can recharge and take care of what matters most with vacation, flex and sick days
- A flexible, hybrid work approach that allows colleagues to find balance between their professional and personal lives
- Commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that promotes a sense of belonging
The base salary range for this full-time role is $120,000 - $170,000 per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate's experience and qualifications.