Senior Cost Manager – Life Sciences Projects

Turner & Townsend; Wide Ruins (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Associate Director, Cost Management to lead cost management services for large-scale life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, laboratory, research, and advanced manufacturing construction programs. You will provide commercial leadership throughout the project lifecycle and manage key stakeholder relationships.

The ideal candidate will lead client-facing teams, demonstrate strong quantity surveying and commercial controls expertise, and deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related construction discipline.
• Graduate degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, commercial management, or project controls within construction.
• Significant experience supporting life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, laboratory, research & development, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, or other highly technical construction projects.
• Experience leading cost management teams and managing client relationships on complex capital programs.
• Strong knowledge of cost planning, estimating, procurement, change management, contract administration, and commercial controls.
• Experience developing budgets, forecasts, cost reports, cash flow analyses, and final accounts.
• Construction consultancy experience preferred.
• RICS accreditation or equivalent preferred.
• Excellent leadership, presentation, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, stakeholders, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to develop teams, drive continuous improvement, and deliver exceptional client service.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management teams, ensuring successful delivery of project objectives and client expectations.
• Serve as primary commercial point of contact for clients, project stakeholders, consultants, and contractors across all project phases.
• Maintain excellent communication with clients and project teams across multiple projects and programs.
• Perform and oversee quantity surveying, cost controls, budgeting, forecasting, and change management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communicate effectively with owners, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders for coordination within the construction process.
• Support strategic and operational management of Cost Management and Project Controls services across life sciences and advanced manufacturing portfolios.
• Act as primary source for reporting overall commercial status, risks, opportunities, and project performance.
• Drive Turner & Townsend best practices across all stages of project and program delivery.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost management procedures, processes, templates, and reporting tools.
• Conduct staff performance reviews and contribute to employee development initiatives.
• Establish clear objectives and strategic direction for project teams.
• Identify, coach, and mentor talent to support professional growth and succession planning.
• Lead and develop high-performing cost management teams.
• Deliver excellence in leadership, client service, and commercial performance.
• Manage commission financial performance, including fee forecasts, resource planning, and profitability reporting.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor KPIs to support project goals.
• Implement and maintain company delivery methodologies, systems, and best practices.
• Support quality assurance activities and internal business management processes.
• Maintain understanding of market conditions and industry best practices.
• Advise clients on procurement strategies, contract administration, capital planning, and commercial risk management.
• Build relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, and internal teams.
• Participate in leadership meetings and prepare executive-level presentations and reports.
• Provide updates on project performance, staffing, and commercial status.
• Support business development, proposals, interviews, and client pursuits.
• Ensure lessons learned and benchmarking information are shared across the business.
• Attend industry and networking events.
• Promote collaboration, innovation, and service excellence. SOX responsibilities where applicable.

Skills

Cost management

Quantity surveying

Project controls

Leadership

Client relationships

Communication skills

Regulated environments

Team leadership

Budgeting and forecasting

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Quantity Surveying/Cost Management/Engineering

Graduate degree preferred

Tools

Contract administration tools

Cost reporting software

Job description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Associate Director, Cost Management to lead cost management services for large-scale life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, laboratory, research, and advanced manufacturing construction programs. You will provide commercial leadership throughout the project lifecycle and manage key stakeholder relationships.

The ideal candidate will lead client-facing teams, demonstrate strong quantity surveying and commercial controls expertise, and deliver