Associate Director, Cost Management

Turner & Townsend • Ottawa, ON

9d • CA$120,000 - CA$170,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director, Cost Management to join our Ottawa team and provide commercial leadership to a major public-sector client. This role is ideal for a highly accomplished commercial or cost management professional with extensive experience delivering large-scale capital projects within the real estate, infrastructure, or public-sector environment. You will serve as a trusted advisor, providing strategic commercial guidance, supporting governance activities, managing commercial risk, and ensuring effective contract administration across complex project portfolios. This position requires a minimum of four days per week onsite at the client's office. Onsite requirements may change based on client needs. As Associate Director, Cost Management, you will provide senior-level commercial leadership and advisory services to support the successful delivery of major capital projects and programs.

Requirements

• Minimum 12 years of post-graduate experience in commercial management, cost management, contract management, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience managing the commercial aspects of complex, large-scale, multi-disciplinary real estate or capital projects.
• Proven experience providing commercial oversight on projects with values exceeding $100 million.
• Strong understanding of commercial governance, contract administration, cost control, change management, and risk management principles.
• Experience preparing and presenting commercial and financial information to senior stakeholders and project leadership teams.
• Exceptional relationship management, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within complex client environments and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong analytical capabilities and attention to detail with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional client service and high-quality outcomes.
• A recognized degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, Commercial Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation such as: MRICS, PQS, CEC or equivalent professional designation (International qualifications may require Canadian equivalency verification.)
• Must possess, or be eligible to obtain, Government of Canada Reliability Status at a minimum.

Nice To Haves

• Existing Government of Canada Secret Clearance is considered a strong asset.
• Experience supporting federal government or broader public-sector capital programs.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within large project environments.
• Experience implementing commercial governance frameworks and process improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with commercial and project management platforms such as CostX, Aconex, Unifier, or similar systems.

Responsibilities

• Providing specialist commercial management advice and guidance to our public-sector client throughout the project lifecycle.
• Managing project budgets and overseeing commercial performance to ensure alignment with project objectives, governance requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Producing, reviewing, and presenting financial and commercial reports to support effective decision-making and stakeholder governance.
• Leading change control activities in accordance with contractual frameworks, including tracking and documenting changes, administering early warning provisions, evaluating commercial impacts, and negotiating contractual change.
• Supporting the management and mitigation of commercial risks while ensuring contractual compliance across project activities.
• Contributing to the defence and resolution of contract claims through the review and analysis of financial and commercial information.
• Acting as a key interface between Turner & Townsend and the client, fostering strong relationships and ensuring effective communication across stakeholder groups.
• Supporting the review, enhancement, and implementation of commercial processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and operational effectiveness.
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with clients, partners, and key stakeholders while identifying opportunities to expand and strengthen client engagement.
• Mentoring and supporting the development of junior team members, promoting technical excellence and knowledge sharing.
• Supporting broader business management, operational priorities, and strategic growth initiatives within the Cost Management practice.

Benefits

• 100% covered health and dental benefits for you and your dependents (including paramedical services)
• Health spending account, to top up expenses not covered in the benefits program
• RRSP option with company matching
• Annual learning and development budget
• Access to a range of online learning tools, and support for career development and growth
• Coverage of one professional membership or license fee per year, if directly related to your role
• Vacation, flex and sick days
• A flexible, hybrid work approach

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior