Senior Cost Manager: Commercial Construction & TI

Turner-; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend in the United States is seeking a Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead estimating, cost planning and procurement for complex commercial real estate projects, including TI, interior fit-outs and ground-up developments.

You will coordinate with design teams, GC partners and clients, produce cost reports, manage changes and value engineering while maintaining strict financial controls and SOX/compliance 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 a cost management or quantity surveying role supporting commercial real estate construction projects (TI, interior fit-out, or ground-up).
• RICS accredited or actively working toward accreditation is preferred.
• Experience supporting cost management on medium to large-scale commercial construction projects.
• Prior QS consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, procurement strategies, value engineering, and cost planning within commercial interiors and base building construction.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

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.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Cost management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or related field

Job description

Turner & Townsend in the United States is seeking a Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead estimating, cost planning and procurement for complex commercial real estate projects, including TI, interior fit-outs and ground-up developments.

You will coordinate with design teams, GC partners and clients, produce cost reports, manage changes and value engineering while maintaining strict financial controls and SOX/compliance where applicable.