Director of Cost Management

Turner & Townsend • $185K — $210K *
Seattle, WA 98115In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or related field.
  • Graduate degree in quantity surveying, cost management, construction management, or engineering (preferred).
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in cost management or construction consulting services.
  • 2+ years managing and developing high-performing cost management teams.
  • Proven track record of delivering cost management services for major clients with complex construction projects.
  • Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and financial forecasting.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a team of cost managers while promoting a culture of professional growth and accountability.
  • Develop a strategic vision for cost management services that aligns with organizational goals.
  • Oversee cost management services for large construction projects, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
  • Manage client relationships and serve as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders.
  • Direct financial activities including budget forecasting and resource allocation across projects.
  • Conduct market research to inform strategic decisions and establish industry thought leadership.
  • Identify cross-selling opportunities and participate in new business development and proposals.

Benefits

  • Extensive opportunities for professional development and mentoring.
  • Engage in high-profile projects across diverse sectors like commercial real estate and life sciences.
  • Exposure to strategic planning and operational management at a senior leadership level.
  • Involvement in industry networking events and conferences to enhance market presence.
  • Opportunities to shape industry practices and establish thought leadership.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Cost Management to join our organization in Seattle, United States. In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee the strategic direction and operational excellence of our cost management services, leading a talented team of cost managers while driving business growth and delivering exceptional value to our clients. This position offers the opportunity to shape industry practices, mentor high-performing professionals, and establish yourself as a thought leader in construction cost management.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of cost managers, fostering a culture of learning, respect, inclusivity, and professional growth while ensuring accountability and service excellence
  • Establish and communicate a clear strategic vision and operational roadmap aligned with organizational business objectives, setting ambitious yet achievable goals for the cost management service line
  • Oversee all aspects of cost management service delivery for large-scale construction projects, ensuring client satisfaction, quality standards, and on-time, on-budget project completion
  • Manage client relationships and communications, serving as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders and acting as a brand ambassador to build and strengthen client partnerships
  • Direct financial management activities, including revenue tracking, margin analysis, budget forecasting, and resource allocation across all cost management commissions using internal financial systems
  • Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis of construction market conditions, translating findings into actionable insights and thought leadership reports that position the organization as an industry authority
  • Develop and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance internal systems, workflows, and operational efficiency while maintaining compliance with quality standards and ISO requirements
  • Identify and pursue cross-selling opportunities and new business development initiatives, actively participating in proposal development, RFP responses, and client pitches
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and critical success factors, conducting regular performance reviews and implementing corrective actions as needed
  • Manage knowledge management systems, ensuring that project learnings, best practices, and valuable insights are captured, documented, and shared across the organization
  • Coordinate quality control activities, participate in internal audits, and represent the organization in external certification audits
  • Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align cost management services with broader organizational strategy and drive integrated business solutions
  • Support talent acquisition efforts by actively partnering with recruitment teams to attract top talent and proactively plan for future staffing needs
  • Participate in networking events, industry conferences, and promotional opportunities to expand market presence and build a robust pipeline of new business opportunities
  • Model organizational values and drive a unified business culture that balances the needs of employees, clients, stakeholders, and society
  • Fulfill SOX control responsibilities where applicable, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance standards


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or a related construction field
  • Graduate degree in quantity surveying, cost management, construction management, or engineering (preferred)
  • Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in cost management, quantity surveying, or related construction consulting services
  • Minimum 2+ years of demonstrated experience managing and developing high-performing cost management teams in a consulting or corporate environment
  • Proven track record of successfully delivering cost management services to major clients and managing complex, large-scale construction projects
  • Exceptional business development acumen with a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities, build client relationships, and drive revenue growth
  • Extensive experience working with high-caliber clients across diverse sectors including commercial real estate, data centers, life sciences, industrial manufacturing, and natural resources
  • Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management, financial forecasting, margin analysis, and P&L responsibility
  • Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, operational management, and process improvement
  • Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients, team members, and senior leadership
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with meticulous attention to detail
  • Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop talent while fostering an inclusive and collaborative team environment
  • Knowledge of industry standards, best practices, quality control procedures, and compliance requirements (ISO standards preferred)
  • Experience with project portfolio management and resource planning
  • Proficiency with financial management software and project management tools
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and professional development
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously


Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.

The base salary range for this role is $185K-$210K USD. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of the posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

About Turner & Townsend

Turner & Townsend Careers

Joining Turner & Townsend offers a unique opportunity to contribute to some of the most exciting projects worldwide. As a global leader in professional services, Turner & Townsend is at the forefront of transforming the industry through expertise, innovation, and leadership.

Explore Job Opportunities

Turner & Townsend is constantly seeking skilled professionals eager to drive innovation and lead industry standards. With a variety of job opportunities available, candidates can find positions that match their skills and career aspirations. Explore employment options that span across critical sectors such as construction, project management, and consultancy.

Experience Professional Growth

Turner & Townsend is committed to the professional growth and continuous development of its team members. The company supports career advancement through robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, ensuring every team member has the tools and knowledge to succeed.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career journey, Turner & Townsend offers internship programs that provide a rich learning environment. Interns gain hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and contributing to impactful projects. These internships are a gateway to full-time employment and a flourishing career within the company.

Cultivating a Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Turner & Townsend prides itself on fostering an inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated. The company believes that a diverse workforce enhances creativity and drives innovation. Employees from various backgrounds are encouraged to share their unique perspectives, promoting a collaborative and supportive workplace.

Benefits and Employee Wellbeing

Understanding the importance of a work-life balance, Turner & Townsend offers comprehensive benefits designed to support the wellbeing of its team. Benefits include health care, flexible working conditions, and competitive retirement plans, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for employees.

Join the Team

Turner & Townsend is hiring! Search open positions that align with your professional skills and interests. The company is looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and get ready to join a team where your contributions will be valued and your career will flourish.

Networking and Career Development

Turner & Townsend encourages continuous networking and professional development. By participating in industry conferences and company-hosted events, employees can build valuable relationships and stay current with industry trends.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Turner & Townsend: - **Read Careers Blog**: Gain insights from experts and stay informed about the latest company news and industry trends. - **Job Alert Emails**: Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Turner & Townsend. Turner & Townsend is not just a place to work—it's a place where careers are made, innovation thrives, and opportunities abound. Join the team and be part of shaping the future of the industry.
Learn more about Turner & Townsend
Industry
Real Estate & Construction
* Ladders Estimates

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