Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Life Sciences Construction

Turner & Townsend • $90K — $130K *
Boston, MA 02115In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or related field.
  • 5-7 years of experience in construction cost management.
  • Preferred experience in laboratory, pharmaceutical, or life sciences construction projects.
  • RICS accredited or pursuing accreditation is preferred.
  • Experience leading cost management on medium to large construction projects.
  • Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of procurement routes and value engineering.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
  • Provide cost planning including final cost plans.
  • Work with design teams and contractors on cost estimates for lab and office fit-outs.
  • Reconcile changes and ensure accuracy of cost data with contractors.
  • Communicate status updates for cost reporting with contractors and project managers.
  • Prepare comments on contractor submissions and executive summaries.
  • Coordinate cost information from various sources, including suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Inform engineering and design decisions based on cost implications.
  • Work proactively to resolve scheduling and cost challenges with minimal supervision.
  • Manage cost checks and valuations on medium to large-scale projects.
  • Participate in post-contract cost variance processes and change control.
  • Support funding presentations and value engineering sessions.
  • Develop cost plans through design phases, delivering updates at key milestones.
  • Provide input into cost-effective design options and value engineering.
  • Lead negotiations on contractor pricing on behalf of the client.
  • Perform cost controls and change management throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Ensure robust validation, auditing, and valuation processes.
  • Produce monthly cost reports for client presentations.
  • Ensure timely negotiation of final accounts.
  • Compile cost data for benchmarking in laboratory developments.
  • Mentor team members, fostering their growth and celebrating success.
  • Demonstrate leadership and quality service delivery in line with project objectives.
  • Manage financial tracking and resource planning using internal systems.
  • Maintain consistent use of internal processes and best practices.
  • Act as a collaborative role model in a high-performing team culture.
  • Adhere to SOX control responsibilities where applicable.

Benefits

  • Dynamic work environment with opportunities to lead and mentor teams.
  • Exposure to a diverse range of complex life sciences projects.
  • Opportunity to support major innovations in biotech and pharmaceuticals.
  • Chances for professional development and RICS accreditation support.
  • Collaborative, high-performing team culture that values leadership and service delivery.
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, ensuring that client objectives are met through the delivery of a value-added cost management service across complex life sciences projects.

This role supports a portfolio of laboratory, R&D, and office developments, including new builds, expansions, and renovations within established biotech and pharmaceutical environments in major innovation hubs.

To be successful in this role you must have great communication skills and be comfortable operating in a client-facing role. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, driven and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Responsibilities:
  • Estimating and negotiating change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
  • Provide estimate and cost planning, including producing and presenting final cost plans.
  • Review and participate with design teams and general contractors in developing cost estimates for lab, R&D, and office fit-out projects.
  • Reconcile changes and assist contractors to ensure cost data accuracy.
  • Communicate with contractors and owner project managers to gather status updates for cost reporting.
  • Prepare written comments on contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
  • Coordinate all sources of cost information, including suppliers, subcontractors, and design teams.
  • Inform and drive engineering and design decisions based on cost impact.
  • Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve scheduling and cost issues.
  • Manage cost checks and carry out valuations on medium to large-scale projects.
  • Participate in post-contract cost variance and change control processes.
  • Manage cost impact, contingency tracking, and commitment logs.
  • Support funding data presentations and coordinate value engineering sessions.
  • Develop cost plans through design phases, delivering updates at key milestones.
  • Provide commercial input into design optioneering and value engineering exercises.
  • Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations on behalf of the client.
  • Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and change management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Ensure cost validation, auditing, and valuation processes are robust and maintained.
  • Produce monthly cost reports for client presentation.
  • Ensure timely negotiation and agreement of final accounts.
  • Compile as-built cost data for benchmarking across similar laboratory and life sciences developments.
  • Support delivery across projects involving laboratory build-outs, R&D facility expansions, and campus-style developments.
  • Identify, coach, and mentor team members to realize their potential and celebrate success.
  • Demonstrate strong leadership and high-quality service delivery aligned with project objectives.
  • Manage financial tracking, fee forecasts, and resource planning using internal systems.
  • Implement and maintain consistent use of internal processes and best practices.
  • Act as a role model contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
  • 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 related field.
  • Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in construction cost management.
  • Experience supporting laboratory, pharmaceutical, or life sciences construction projects is preferred.
  • RICS accredited or working toward accreditation is preferred.
  • Experience leading cost management on medium to large, complex construction projects.
  • Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.


Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our clients' 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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Real Estate & Construction
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