Senior Cost Manager

Turner & Townsend; Zebulon (NC); On-site; USD 135,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

A global professional services company is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager or Quantity Surveyor in Zebulon, NC. The successful candidate will be key to client objectives, providing valuable cost management services. Responsibilities include estimating change orders, communicating with contractors, and preparing cost reports. Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years in cost management. The position offers a salary between $135,000 and $175,000 based on experience.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in cost management in the construction industry.
• RICS accredited or pursuing accreditation preferred.
• Strong knowledge of value management and engineering.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
• Produce monthly cost reports for client presentation.

Skills

Cost management

Quantity surveying

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field

Job description

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform outcomes that improve people’s lives.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to serve as the key client interface, ensuring client objectives are met through a value‑added cost management service.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Provide estimate and cost planning, including producing and presenting the final cost plan.
• Review and collaborate with the design services team and general contractor in developing cost estimates.
• Reconcile changes and ensure contractor data accuracy.
• Communicate with general contractor and project owner to gather status information for cost estimate updates.
• Prepare written comments on contractor submissions, including executive summary.
• Coordinate cost information from suppliers and subcontractors via NPA, subs, and A/Es.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
• Resolve scheduling issues proactively with minimal supervision.
• Manage cost checks and carry out valuations on larger projects.
• Participate effectively in post‑contract cost variances and change‑of‑control processes.
• Track cost impact, contingency, and commitment logs.
• Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
• Develop cost plans through design phase and deliver updates at milestones.
• Provide commercial input for design opti­oneering and value engineering.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations to secure fair contract prices.
• Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and change‑management activities through project lifecycle.
• Ensure post‑contract cost variances and change control processes are managed effectively.
• Maintain robust cost validation and auditing processes.
• Produce monthly cost reports for client presentation.
• Negotiate and agree final accounts in a timely manner.
• Compile built cost estimate records for benchmarking.
• Coach and mentor talent.
• Demonstrate excellence in leadership and service delivery.
• Track margin levels and forecast financial reports using internal software.
• Implement and maintain internal business management systems and delivery methodologies.
• Act as a role model in driving a unified business culture.
• Adhere to SOX control responsibilities where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or a related construction field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in cost management within the construction industry.
• RICS accredited or working toward accreditation (preferred).
• Experience leading cost management on medium or large construction projects of medium to high complexity.
• Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
• Excellent communication skills.

Compensation: salary range $135,000 – $175,000 annually, commensurate with education, training, and experience.

Turner & Townsend is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. A person with a disability may request reasonable accommodation.