Job DescriptionTurner & Townsend is seeking an experienced
Senior Cost Estimator to act as the key, day-to-day client interface on large, mission-critical construction programs. This role is responsible for ensuring client objectives are met through the delivery of disciplined, value-added commercial and cost management services across complex, schedule-driven projects.
The successful candidate will be confident in a client-facing environment, highly organized, and comfortable operating independently while collaborating within integrated project teams. In this position, you will provide commercial leadership during design and construction, supporting the successful delivery of complex campus-scale facilities that include infrastructure-heavy works, MEP-intensive buildings, and fleet-support systems such as EV charging.
You will represent and promote Turner & Townsend's purpose, values, and commitment to excellence while supporting best-practice commercial governance throughout the project lifecycle.
This role offers flexibility for remote work; however,
strong preference will be given to candidates who are able and willing to work regularly with our team in San Francisco. Proximity to the SF Bay Area and the ability to engage locally with project teams and stakeholders will be viewed as a significant advantage.
Responsibilities:- Act as the primary day-to-day commercial interface with the client during design and construction.
- Provide cost planning, estimating, and forecasting services, including producing and presenting cost plans at key design and construction milestones.
- Establish and maintain robust cost control, change management, and commercial governance processes.
- Estimate, review, negotiate, and manage change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
- Review contractor and subcontractor pricing for accuracy, entitlement, and value for money, leading negotiations on behalf of the client where required.
- Manage contingency, commitment tracking, cost-to-complete forecasting, and cost variance analysis.
- Perform post-contract quantity surveying, cost control, valuations, and payment certification.
- Carry out accurate interim valuations, cost checks, and commercial audits on medium to large construction projects.
- Review and provide written commentary on contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
- Administer cost and commercial aspects of contracts, supporting correct application of contractual mechanisms.
- Ensure final accounts are negotiated, agreed, and closed out in a timely and defensible manner.
- Compile built-cost data and benchmarking records to support future phases and portfolio planning.
- Collaborate with owners, project managers, design teams, and contractors to support cost development and design progression.
- Inform and influence engineering and design priorities by assessing and communicating cost, risk, and schedule impacts.
- Coordinate all sources of cost data, including GC submissions, subcontractor pricing, supplier inputs, direct procurement, and quantities from A/Es.
- Participate in value engineering and design optioneering exercises, supporting cost optimization without compromising performance or schedule.
- Prepare funding data, executive cost presentations, and reporting materials for stakeholder review.
- Support commercial management of infrastructure-intensive and operationally critical systems, including:
- Electrical distribution and utility upgrades
- MEP-heavy building systems
- Site works, civil packages, and phased construction
- EV charging and fleet-support infrastructure integrated into campus environments
- Manage cost and change implications associated with phased delivery, fast-track construction, and evolving operational requirements.
- Produce accurate monthly cost reports, forecasts, and commercial dashboards for client presentation.
- Utilize internal systems to manage commission financial performance, margins, and resource forecasting.
- Implement and maintain Turner & Townsend Business Management Systems and delivery methodologies.
- Identify, coach, and mentor junior staff, supporting professional development and technical excellence.
- Act as a role model for collaboration, integrity, and consistent service delivery.
- SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction discipline.
- 5-7+ years of relevant experience in a cost management or quantity surveying role within the construction industry.
- Proven experience delivering cost management services on medium to large, complex construction projects, ideally within mission-critical, industrial, infrastructure, or campus-scale environments.
- Background in construction consultancy or client-side cost management strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of construction contracts, procurement routes, valuations, change control, and final account processes.
- Experience supporting MEP-intensive works, infrastructure packages, and utility-driven construction scope.
- RICS accreditation or progress toward chartership preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
Additional Information*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.The base salary range for this role is $150K-$165K 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.
