Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Construction Management

Turner & Townsend • $130K — $160K *
San Francisco, CA 94112In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
4 days ago
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Must be available to work from our San Francisco office at least three days per week.
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Proven experience in cost management across all phases of construction from pre-construction estimating through project close-out.
  • Strong background in cost planning, budgeting, and financial control on large-scale or complex projects.
  • Skilled in reviewing and validating contractor estimates, bids, and change orders.
  • Experience with various procurement strategies and contract types.
  • Familiarity with sectors such as commercial, data centers, high-tech manufacturing, or mission-critical environments.

Responsibilities

  • Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
  • Provide cost planning and estimating, including producing and presenting the final cost plan.
  • Coordinate with the design services team and general contractor to develop cost estimates.
  • Communicate with the general contractor and client project team to update cost estimates.
  • Prepare written comments on contractor submissions and executive summaries.
  • Manage cost checks and valuations on large, complex projects.
  • Participate in post-contract cost variance and change control processes.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with flexible on-site requirements based on client needs.
  • Opportunity to work on high-impact construction projects for well-known clients.
  • Collaborative team culture that values local insight and strong relationships.
  • Professional development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring team members.
  • Focus on implementing best practices with business management systems.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager or Quantity Surveyor to join our San Francisco Bay Area team. In this hybrid role, you'll help lead the commercial delivery of high-impact construction projects for well-known clients, providing strategic cost guidance from early design through close-out. You'll work closely with a collaborative team that values local insight, strong relationships, and a hands-on approach to solving complex project challenges.

Responsibilities:
  • Estimating and negotiating change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
  • Provide cost planning and estimating, including 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 and meet with the general contractor and client project team to gather status information and prepare cost estimate updates.
  • Prepare written comments on contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
  • Coordinate all sources of cost information, including subcontractors, suppliers, and design teams.
  • Inform and help drive engineering and construction priorities based on cost impact.
  • Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve cost and scheduling challenges in phased and fast-track environments.
  • Manage cost checks and carry out valuations on large, complex projects delivered within active facilities. Complete timely and accurate cost checking and valuation processes.
  • Participate effectively in post-contract cost variance and change control processes.
  • Manage cost impacts, including contingency tracking and commitment tracking logs across multiple project phases.
  • Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate value engineering sessions with stakeholders.
  • Develop cost plans and estimates through the design phase, delivering updates at key project milestones.
  • Provide commercial input into design optioneering and value engineering exercises.
  • Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations to ensure commercially sound outcomes.
  • Perform quantity surveying, cost control, and change management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Ensure cost auditing, validation, and reporting processes are robust and consistently applied.
  • Produce monthly cost reports for client presentation.
  • Ensure final accounts are negotiated and agreed upon in a timely manner.
  • Compile built cost data and maintain benchmarking records for future project use.
  • Identify, coach, and mentor team members to support development and performance.
  • Demonstrate excellence in leadership and service delivery aligned with project and client expectations.
  • Manage financial performance using internal systems for margin tracking, fee forecasts, and reporting.
  • Implement and maintain Business Management Systems and delivery methodologies to ensure consistent best practices.
  • Act as a role model fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
  • SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.


Qualifications

  • Must be available to work from our San Francisco office at least three days per week.
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Proven experience in cost management across all phases of construction from pre-construction estimating through project close-out.
  • Strong background in cost planning, budgeting, and financial control on large-scale or complex projects.
  • Skilled in reviewing and validating contractor estimates, bids, and change orders.
  • Experience with various procurement strategies and contract types.
  • Familiarity with sectors such as commercial, data centers, high-tech manufacturing, or mission-critical environments.
  • Ability to build strong relationships with local stakeholders and navigate regional construction practices.
  • RICS accreditation (or working toward it) is a plus.
  • Proficient in cost management tools and Excel-based reporting.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.


Additional Information

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

The salary range for this full-time role is $130K-$160K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate's experience and qualifications.

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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