Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Life Sciences Construction

Turner & Townsend$135K — $165K *
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 a related field.
  • Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in a cost management role within the construction industry.
  • Proven experience supporting medium to large-scale, complex construction projects, preferably in life sciences or manufacturing environments.
  • Strong knowledge of construction industry practices, including procurement routes and value management.
  • Experience with cost planning, change management, and contract administration.
  • Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
  • Excellent communication and client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

  • Estimate and negotiate change orders during the construction lifecycle.
  • Provide cost planning and produce final cost plans.
  • Review cost estimates with design team and general contractor.
  • Assist general contractor to ensure accurate cost data reconciliation.
  • Communicate with project teams to gather cost status updates.
  • Prepare comments on contractor submissions and executive summaries.
  • Coordinate cost information from suppliers, subcontractors, and design teams.

Benefits

  • Mentorship opportunities within a high-performance team.
  • Access to comprehensive benefits package.
  • Potential eligibility for bonuses based on performance.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to act as the primary day-to-day client interface on a large-scale, multi-phase life sciences manufacturing upgrade and integration program. This complex capital project involves the modernization and expansion of an existing manufacturing campus.

In this role, you will lead cost management activities across the full project lifecycle, including cost planning, estimating, change management, contractor negotiations, and reporting. You will work closely with design teams, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure accurate cost controls, drive value engineering initiatives, and support timely decision-making.

The position requires strong client-facing communication skills, the ability to operate independently, and experience managing costs on large, technically complex construction projects in regulated or advanced manufacturing environments.

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 the design team and general contractor in the development of cost estimates.
  • Reconcile changes and assist the general contractor to ensure cost data accuracy.
  • Communicate with the general contractor and client project team to gather status information for cost updates.
  • Prepare written comments on contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
  • Coordinate all sources of cost information including suppliers, subcontractors, and design teams.
  • Inform and help drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
  • Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve cost and scheduling issues.
  • Manage cost checks and carry out valuations on large, complex projects.
  • Participate in post-contract cost variance and change control processes.
  • Manage cost impact, contingency tracking, and commitment logs.
  • Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate value engineering sessions with key stakeholders.
  • Develop cost plans and estimates through the design phase at appropriate 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 auditing, validation, and reporting processes are robust and accurate.
  • Produce monthly cost reports for client presentation.
  • Ensure final accounts are negotiated and agreed upon in a timely manner.
  • Compile cost benchmarking data and maintain historical cost records.
  • Mentor and support team members while contributing to a high-performance team environment.
  • Support financial management activities, including fee forecasting and reporting.
  • Ensure consistent implementation of internal systems, methodologies, and best practices.
  • 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 field.
  • Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in a cost management role within the construction industry.
  • Proven experience supporting medium to large-scale, complex construction projects (life sciences, manufacturing, or similar environments preferred).
  • Strong knowledge of construction industry technical practices, including procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
  • Experience with cost planning, change management, and contract administration.
  • Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
  • Excellent communication and client-facing skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a dynamic project environment.
  • RICS accredited or actively working toward accreditation preferred.


Additional Information

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

The base salary range for this role is $135K-$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.

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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