Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Construction

Turnertownsend; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend in the United States is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management for client projects, ensure objectives are met, and deliver value through robust budgeting and cost control.

The role requires strong communication, ability to work independently and with teams, and a readiness to engage with design teams, contractors, and owners to drive accurate estimates, cost plans, and final accounts.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Lead cost planning and develop final cost plans at key design milestones.
• Review design/service team's cost estimates and reconcile changes.
• Coordinate cost information from NPA, subs, and A/Es for discussions.
• Manage cost checks, valuations, and post-contract cost variances.
• Prepare funding data and VE sessions with stakeholders.

Job description

Turner & Townsend are looking for an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor 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. To be successful in this role you must have great communication skills and be comfortable operating in a client-facing role. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, driven, and able to work independently as well as part of a team. In this significant position, you will be responsible for providing leadership and direction, embedding, and promoting the purpose, values, and vision of Turner & Townsend.

Responsibilities:

• Estimating and negotiating change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Provide estimate and cost planning to include producing and presenting the final cost plan.
• Review and participate with the design services team and general contractor in the development of cost estimates.
• Reconcile changes and assist the general contractor to ensure that their data is accurate.
• Communicate or meet with the general contractor and owner of project manager to gather status information to prepare a cost estimate update.
• Prepare written comments to the general contractor's submissions, including the executive summary.
• Coordinate all sources of cost information for cost discussions and suppliers direct from NPA, subs, 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. Complete timely, accurate cost checking and valuation processes.
• Participate effectively with post-contract cost variances and the change of control processes.
• Manage Cost impact / contingency management and commitment tracking logs.
• Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
• Developing cost plans and estimates through the design phase, delivering updated cost plans at appropriate design milestones.
• Providing commercial input to design optioneering and input into value engineering exercises.
• Reviewing contractor and subcontractor pricing and leading negotiations on behalf of the client to drive fair contract prices.
• Performing quantity surveying, cost controls, and change management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensuring that post-contract cost variances and change control processes are managed effectively.
• Ensuring that cost auditing and valuation work is managed effectively and that a robust process for cost validation is in place.
• Carrying out the production of monthly cost reports for presentation to the client.
• Ensuring that final accounts are negotiated and agreed upon in a timely manner.
• Compiling 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 is in line with the conditions of appointment
• Financial Management - 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 company delivery methodologies and tools in the office to ensure consistent delivery of best practice for Clients and the company
• 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, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Additional Program requirements:

• Develop and maintain parametric and hybrid cost models to enable rapid estimating, benchmarking, and scenario analysis.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates and budgets across workplace construction projects, including new builds, remodels, and tenant improvements.
• Lead cost planning efforts, including bid review, procurement strategy, and cost analysis reporting.
• Monitor project costs, manage financial risks, and maintain budget adherence throughout the project lifecycle.
• Leverage historical data, market intelligence, and industry trends to enhance accuracy and scalability of cost outputs.
• Align cost plans with project schedules to manage cash flow, accruals, and forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with client financial policies, contract requirements, and SOX controls where applicable.
• Maintain financial documentation, manage change orders, and provide clear reporting on cost status and risks.
• Support the development of AI-enabled cost modeling tools, including automated estimating and scenario analysis.
• Contribute to scalable cost intelligence platforms integrating design, asset, and market data.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, standardization, and data-driven delivery.
• Collaborate with technical teams to translate cost management workflows