Senior Cost Manager - Healthcare Construction

Turner & Townsend; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is looking for a Senior Cost Manager in Durham, NC, to lead cost management for healthcare construction projects. You will ensure client objectives are met while delivering value-added services and require robust communication skills. Essential qualifications include a bachelor's degree in construction management or a related field, along with 5–7 years of experience in a similar role.

The role demands the ability to work independently as well as in a team, along with experience in managing costs throughout the project's lifecycle.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of relevant experience in cost management in the construction industry.
• RICS accreditation preferred.
• Experience in healthcare construction is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Provide cost planning and produce final cost plans.
• Collaborate with design services and general contractors.

Skills

Cost management

Strong communication skills

Leadership

Quantifying and estimating

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field

Job description

Senior Cost Manager - Healthcare Construction

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager 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. The role requires strong communication skills, a client‑facing focus, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Estimating and negotiating 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 the development of cost estimates.
• Reconcile changes and assist the general contractor to ensure accurate data.
• Communicate with the general contractor, owner and project manager to gather status information and prepare cost estimate updates.
• Prepare written comments to the general contractor’s submissions, including the executive summary.
• Coordinate all sources of cost information for cost discussions and suppliers directly from NPA, subs and quantities from A/Es.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
• Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve scheduling issues.
• Manage cost checks and carry out valuations on larger projects, completing timely and accurate cost checking and valuation processes.
• Participate effectively with post‑contract cost variances and change‑of‑control processes.
• Manage cost impact / contingency management and commitment tracking logs.
• Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
• Develop cost plans and estimates through the design phase, delivering updated cost plans at appropriate design milestones.
• Provide commercial input to design option engineering and input into value engineering exercises.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations on behalf of the client to drive fair contract prices.
• Perform quantity surveying, cost controls and change management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure that post‑contract cost variances and change control processes are managed effectively.
• Ensure that cost auditing and valuation work is managed effectively and that a robust process for cost validation is in place.
• Carry out production of monthly cost reports for presentation to the client.
• Ensure that final accounts are negotiated and agreed upon in a timely manner.
• Compile built‑cost estimate records for benchmarking purposes.
• Identify, coach and mentor talent to realize their potential and celebrate the success of others.
• Display excellence in leadership and service delivery on commissions in line with the conditions of appointment.
• Utilize internal software to track ongoing margin levels and monthly fee/resource forecasts for each commission and financial reports.
• Implement and maintain the use of internal Business Management Systems and delivery methodologies in the office to ensure consistent best practice for clients.
• Be a role model that drives a one‑business culture that achieves great outcomes by striking the right balance for our people, clients, stakeholders and society.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role 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 in the construction industry.
• RICS accredited or working toward accreditation is preferred.
• Experience in Healthcare construction is desirable.
• Experience leading cost management on medium or large‑sized construction projects of medium to high complexity.
• Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
• Good knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management and value engineering.

Additional Information

On‑site presence and requirements may change depending on our clients' needs.

EEO Statement

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.