Senior Cost Manager - Commercial Real Estate

Turner & Townsend$130K — $160K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, or Engineering.
  • 5-7 years of experience in cost management within the construction industry.
  • RICS accreditation or progress towards it is preferred.
  • Experience leading cost management for medium to large construction projects, especially those of medium to high complexity.
  • Strong consultancy experience preferred with a solid understanding of procurement and value engineering techniques.
  • Excellent communication skills necessary for effective client interaction.

Responsibilities

  • Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
  • Produce and present detailed cost plans during project phases.
  • Review design estimates in collaboration with the design and general contractor teams.
  • Communicate with contractors and project managers for cost updates and status reports.
  • Prepare comments on contractor submissions and produce executive summaries.
  • Manage cost valuation processes on larger projects, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  • Provide cost information coordination and inform engineering priorities based on financial impact.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead cost management in major corporate campus upgrades.
  • Active involvement in diverse projects across workplace, infrastructure, and modernization.
  • Career development through mentorship and leadership opportunities.
  • Access to the company’s Business Management Systems to ensure efficient operations.
  • Engagement in a client-facing role, enhancing communication and networking skills.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to serve as the key day-to-day client interface, delivering effective cost management solutions and ensuring project objectives are achieved.

This role will support a major Bay Area corporate campus portfolio, including workplace, infrastructure, modernization, and capital improvement projects. As the client continues to invest in active campus upgrades and strategic construction programs, you will provide cost management leadership across multiple concurrent projects.

The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator who thrives in a client-facing environment, is self-motivated and proactive, and can work both independently and collaboratively. In this role, you will provide leadership and direction while promoting the purpose, values, and vision of Turner & Townsend.

Responsibilities:
  • Estimating and negotiating change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
  • Provide estimate and cost planning to include producing and presenting the final cost plan.
  • Review and participate with the design services team and general contractor in the development of cost estimates.
  • Reconcile changes and assist the general contractor to ensure that their data is accurate.
  • Communicate or meet with the general contractor and owner or project manager to gather status information to prepare a cost estimate update.
  • Prepare written comments to the general contractor's submissions, including the executive summary.
  • Coordinate all sources of cost information for cost discussions and suppliers direct from NPA, subs, quantities from A/Es.
  • Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
  • Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve scheduling issues.
  • Manage cost checks and carry out valuations on larger projects. Complete timely, accurate cost checking and valuation processes.
  • Participate effectively with post-contract cost variances and the change of control processes.
  • Manage cost impact, contingency management, and commitment tracking logs.
  • Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
  • Develop cost plans and estimates through the design phase, delivering updated cost plans at appropriate design milestones.
  • Provide commercial input to design optioneering and input into value engineering exercises.
  • Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations on behalf of the client to drive fair contract prices.
  • Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and change management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Ensure that post-contract cost variances and change control processes are managed effectively.
  • Ensure that cost auditing and valuation work is managed effectively and that a robust process for cost validation is in place.
  • Carry out the production of monthly cost reports for presentation to the client.
  • Ensure that final accounts are negotiated and agreed upon in a timely manner.
  • Compile built cost estimate records for benchmarking purposes.
  • Identify, coach and mentor talent to realize their potential and celebrate the success of others.
  • Display excellence in leadership and service delivery on commissions in line with the conditions of appointment.
  • Financial Management: Utilize internal software to track ongoing margin levels and monthly fee/resource forecasts for each commission and financial reports.
  • Implement and maintain the use of internal Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies and tools in the office to ensure consistent delivery of best practice for Clients and the company.
  • Be a role model that drives a one business culture that achieves great outcomes by striking the right balance for our people, clients, stakeholders, and society.
  • 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 field related to construction.
  • Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience working in a cost management role in the construction industry.
  • RICS accredited or working towards it is preferred.
  • Experience of leading cost management on medium or large sized construction projects of medium to high complexity.
  • Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
  • Good knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
  • Excellent communication skills.


Additional Information

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

The base salary range for this role is $130K-$160 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.
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