Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Commercial Construction

Turner & Townsend$90K — $120K *
Miami, FL 33186In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in a cost management role in construction.
  • RICS accreditation or working towards it is preferred.
  • Experience leading cost management on medium to large sized construction projects of medium to high complexity.
  • Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of procurement strategies, cost planning, and change management principles.
  • Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead estimating and negotiating change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
  • Provide comprehensive cost planning and estimating services, developing and presenting detailed cost plans.
  • Partner with design teams and contractors to develop and validate cost estimates.
  • Reconcile project changes and proactively review contractor data for accuracy and completeness.
  • Act as a liaison with stakeholders to track progress and support cost reporting and forecasting.
  • Prepare clear written commentary on contractor submissions, highlighting risks and decision points.
  • Coordinate cost inputs from subcontractors and suppliers to inform commercial decisions.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on large-scale construction projects in a dynamic environment.
  • Chance to contribute to complex multi-phase development initiatives.
  • Mentorship opportunities to develop junior team members.
  • Involvement in innovative cost efficiency solutions through value engineering.
  • Potential for varied on-site presence depending on client needs.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend are looking for an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to act as the key day-to-day client interface, delivering high-quality cost management services across large-scale construction programs in the greater Detroit area.

These projects involve complex, multi-phase developments, including ground-up builds, phased expansions, and renovation of existing facilities within active environments, requiring strong commercial oversight and coordination across diverse stakeholder groups.

To be successful in this role you must have strong communication skills and be comfortable in a client-facing environment. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, driven, and able to work independently while contributing to a high-performing team.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead estimating and negotiating change orders throughout the construction lifecycle, ensuring alignment between scope, budget, and contract terms.
  • Provide comprehensive cost planning and estimating services, including the development, review, and presentation of detailed cost plans at key project milestones.
  • Partner with design teams and general contractors to develop, validate, and refine cost estimates, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project objectives.
  • Reconcile project changes and proactively review contractor data to ensure completeness, consistency, and commercial accuracy.
  • Act as a key liaison with project stakeholders to gather updates, track progress, and support the preparation of cost reports and forecasts.
  • Prepare clear written commentary and executive summaries on contractor submissions, highlighting risks, variances, and key decision points.
  • Coordinate and consolidate cost inputs from subcontractors, suppliers, and design teams to support informed commercial decision-making.
  • Track and manage cost impacts, including contingency utilization, change control processes, and cost variance analysis across multiple workstreams.
  • Perform detailed cost checks and valuations on complex projects, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
  • Support procurement activities by reviewing contractor and subcontractor pricing, evaluating bids, and leading commercial negotiations.
  • Provide input into value engineering and design optimization initiatives to improve cost efficiency while maintaining project intent.
  • Produce monthly cost reports, including budget updates, forecasts, and funding analyses for client presentation.
  • Ensure cost auditing, validation, and final account closeout processes are executed effectively and in accordance with best practices.
  • Maintain and contribute to benchmarking data and cost records to support future project planning and continuous improvement.
  • Mentor and support junior team members, fostering development and ensuring consistency in service delivery.
  • Manage financial performance across commissions, including fee forecasting, margin tracking, and adherence to internal systems and controls.
  • 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.
  • Understanding of procurement strategies, cost planning, and change management principles.
  • Excellent communication 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.

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