Senior Cost Manager / Estimator - Construction Management

Turner & Townsend; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consultancy firm is seeking a Senior Cost Manager / Estimator in Los Angeles to lead cost management for high-profile construction projects. The role involves preparing cost estimates, managing project budgets, and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in cost estimation and a relevant degree. The salary range is $130K–$160K, emphasizing a commitment to work-life balance and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' experience in construction cost estimation.
• Experience in managing large-scale projects.
• Proficient in estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed cost estimates.
• Develop and manage project budgets.
• Provide strategic oversight on cost management.

Skills

Cost estimation

Budget management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Construction Management

Tools

CostX

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Overview

From the inception of a project through to completion and beyond, Turner & Townsend help to deliver the outcomes that matter through transformational programs covering the full spectrum of consultancy, project delivery and post‑project operations. With offices located globally, you’re never far away from our services. Working from 133 offices in 49 countries, we make the difference to projects across the real estate, infrastructure and natural resources sectors worldwide.

Turner & Townsend is looking for an experienced and highly skilled Senior Cost Manager / Estimator to join our Los Angeles team and lead cost management efforts for a variety of complex and high‑profile construction projects, spanning multiple sectors including data centers, life sciences, commercial real estate, and healthcare.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed, accurate cost estimates for projects in the pre‑construction phase, including material take‑offs, labor costs, and equipment costs.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project budgets, including contingency and risk allowances.
• Utilize historical data, industry benchmarks, and market trends to inform cost projections and ensure accuracy.
• Provide cost estimates for all phases of a project, from early conceptual design through to final construction.
• Develop and implement cost control procedures to monitor and manage project financial performance.
• Track actual costs against estimated costs throughout the project lifecycle, preparing regular cost reports and forecasting potential budget overruns.
• Review and approve change orders, ensuring that any cost impacts are accurately reflected in project budgets.
• Proactively identify cost‑saving opportunities and recommend value engineering strategies to clients and project teams.
• Lead the bidding process, including the preparation of bid packages and the evaluation of subcontractor proposals.
• Negotiate terms with subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to ensure the best value and compliance with project specifications.
• Analyze subcontractor bids and proposals to assess cost competitiveness and ensure alignment with project scope and quality requirements.
• Identify potential cost risks and develop strategies for mitigating financial exposure throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in project risk assessments and provide insight into potential financial risks and opportunities for cost savings.
• Collaborate with project managers to ensure cost risks are effectively communicated and managed.
• Lead and mentor junior estimators and cost‑management staff, providing guidance and support in developing accurate estimates, cost reports, and cost‑control practices.
• Foster a collaborative team environment, working closely with architects, engineers, and project managers to ensure alignment between cost estimates, budgets, and project goals.
• Provide strategic oversight and leadership on cost management for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring consistency and quality of work.
• Prepare and deliver regular cost and financial reports to senior leadership, project teams, and clients, providing clear updates on budget status, potential risks, and cost forecasts.
• Communicate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to manage expectations and deliver timely information on project cost performance.
• Stay informed of industry trends, market conditions, and material costs that could impact project budgets, particularly in the data center, life sciences, healthcare, and commercial real estate sectors.
• Maintain and update cost databases and estimating tools to reflect market conditions, historical project data, and vendor pricing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years’ experience in construction cost estimation and cost management, with specific experience in managing large‑scale projects within data centers, life sciences, healthcare, and/or commercial real estate sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in providing strategic oversight and leading cost management on complex construction projects.
• Proven experience in managing multi‑million‑dollar project budgets and developing accurate and detailed cost estimates.
• Advanced proficiency in estimating software (e.g., CostX, Bluebeam, Procore, Buildertrend, RSMeans, Timberline, or similar).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office Suite applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to develop and manage project budgets, provide detailed cost reports, and present cost‑related data to senior leadership and clients.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly present complex cost data to a range of stakeholders.
• AACE Certification or similar cost‑engineering certification is advantageous.
• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to mentor and guide junior team members.
• Proactive approach to problem‑solving with a focus on delivering cost‑effective solutions.
• Detail‑oriented with a focus on accuracy and quality in estimating and cost management.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Additional Information

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.

On‑site presence and requirements may change depending on our client’s needs.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work‑life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time.