Senior Construction Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Benchmarking Lead

Turner & Townsend$90K — $130K *
US-AnywhereRemote in United States
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Engineering, or related field.
  • 5-7 years of experience in cost management or quantity surveying in consultancy or large capital programs.
  • Experience in delivering cost management on medium to large, complex construction projects.
  • Ability to develop cost models and contribute to cost intelligence initiatives.
  • Leadership experience with remote or distributed project teams preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of construction industry practices and commercial management.
  • Proficiency in digital cost management tools like CostX.
  • RICS accreditation or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary client interface for cost reporting and strategic guidance.
  • Lead cost planning and financial governance throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Oversee project cost control processes and manage change orders.
  • Review contractor pricing and lead commercial negotiations.
  • Provide commercial input into design development and value engineering processes.
  • Coordinate cost information from various sources to support decision-making.
  • Manage post-contract cost variances and ensure effective project delivery.
  • Track market trends for informed forecasting and risk mitigation.
  • Drive the use of digital tools for standardizing data and enhancing reporting efficiency.
  • Mentor junior team members to foster a high-performance culture.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Flexible working arrangements depending on client needs.
  • Participation in a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
  • Access to internal benchmarking tools and strategies.
  • Engagement in impactful large-scale infrastructure and real estate projects.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor
to act as the key day-to-day client interface, ensuring client objectives are met through the delivery of
a value-added cost management service.

In this role, you will serve as a senior commercial authority across large-scale infrastructure or real
estate portfolios, combining hands-on project delivery with leadership of internal benchmarking and
cost intelligence initiatives. You will orchestrate remote delivery teams, leveraging global program data
to establish cost baselines, mitigate risk, and inform strategic decision-making.

To be successful in this role, you must have strong communication skills and be comfortable operating
in a client-facing environment. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, driven, and capable of
working independently while contributing to a high-performing team. You will play a key role in
embedding and promoting the purpose, values, and vision of Turner & Townsend.

Responsibilities:
  • Act as the primary client interface, delivering clear, executive-level cost reporting, variance
  • analysis, and strategic commercial guidance.
  • Lead cost planning, estimating, and financial governance across the full project lifecycle,
  • including preparing and presenting detailed cost plans, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
  • Oversee project cost control processes, including managing change orders, valuations,
  • contractor applications, and final account negotiations with a defensible, auditable approach.
  • Review contractor and subcontractor pricing, lead commercial negotiations, and ensure
  • accuracy and alignment of project cost data.
  • Participate in design development, providing commercial input into design optioneering, value
  • engineering, and engineering prioritization based on cost impact.
  • Coordinate and consolidate cost information from multiple sources, including contractors,
  • consultants, and suppliers, to support informed decision-making.
  • Manage post-contract cost variances, change control processes, and contingency tracking to
  • ensure effective project delivery.
  • Prepare monthly cost reports, funding updates, and executive summaries for client
  • presentation.
  • Lead and contribute to the development of Turner & Townsend's internal benchmarking
  • strategy, including compiling built cost data and establishing consistent cost baselines across
  • programs.
  • Track market trends (labor, materials, and economic conditions) and apply insights to
  • forecasting and risk mitigation.
  • Drive the use of digital cost management and benchmarking tools to standardize data, improve
  • reporting, and enhance delivery efficiency.
  • Oversee remote delivery teams, ensuring consistent execution of best practices, governance
  • standards, and company methodologies.
  • Mentor and support junior team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of internal business management systems
  • and delivery frameworks.
  • Support financial management activities, including fee tracking, resource forecasting, and
  • margin reporting.
  • SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where
  • applicable.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Engineering, or a
  • related field.
  • Minimum 5-7 years of experience in cost management or quantity surveying, ideally within a
  • consultancy or large capital program environment.
  • Proven experience delivering cost management services on medium to large, complex
  • construction projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop cost models, analyze project data, and contribute to
  • benchmarking or cost intelligence initiatives.
  • Experience leading or coordinating remote or distributed project teams is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of construction industry practices, including procurement routes, value
  • engineering, and commercial management.
  • Proficiency with digital cost management tools (e.g., CostX or similar platforms).
  • RICS accreditation (or working toward it) or equivalent professional certification is preferred.
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.


Additional Information

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

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.
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