Associate Director - Life Sciences Construction

Turner & Townsend•Wilson, NC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Associate Director Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management services for a major bio-pharmaceutical client. The role supports delivery of a significant, multi-year campus development and provides strategic commercial leadership, manages key stakeholder relationships, and oversees cost management services throughout the project lifecycle. The position requires strong communication, independent working, leadership, and a client-facing approach, while promoting Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and vision. This is primarily a site-based role supporting a major construction program, with regular on-site presence required at the project site in Wilson, North Carolina, approximately 50 miles from Raleigh. The role may also involve SOX control responsibilities where applicable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction field.
5–7 years of relevant experience in a cost management role within the construction industry.
Experience leading cost management on medium- to large-scale construction projects of moderate to high complexity.
Strong understanding of construction technical matters, including procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work effectively in a client-facing environment while managing multiple priorities and project stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and provide leadership.
Regular on-site presence at the project site in Wilson, North Carolina.

Nice To Haves

RICS accreditation or progress toward accreditation.
Experience supporting large-scale manufacturing, life sciences, technology, industrial, or commercial construction projects.
Construction consultancy experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the cost management team and ensure delivery of its accountabilities.
Lead interfaces with the client, stakeholders, and other consultants throughout all project stages, maintaining excellent communication.
Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and change management throughout the project lifecycle.
Communicate and coordinate professionally with the general contractor, owner's representatives, external stakeholders, and other parties involved in the construction process.
Coordinate and assist with the strategic and operational management of Cost Management and Project Controls Services on large-scale construction programs.
Serve as the first point of contact for reporting a project's overall commercial status.
Promote Turner & Townsend best practice throughout projects and programs, and identify opportunities to improve cost management procedures, processes, templates, and products.
Undertake staff performance reviews; set a clear team strategy and ambition; identify, coach, and mentor talent; and support people's development and success.
Demonstrate leadership and service delivery excellence on commissions in line with appointment conditions.
Manage financial performance using internal software to track margin levels, monthly fee and resource forecasts, and financial reports.
Develop priority plans and risk mitigations using internal tools, and measure performance through KPIs, appraisal documents, management controls, and critical success factors aligned with company goals.
Implement and maintain internal Business Management Systems, delivery methodologies, and tools to support consistent best-practice delivery.
Conduct internal BMS audits and coordinate and represent the office during external certification audits.
Develop market understanding, act as a brand ambassador, and build a pipeline of opportunities.
Advise clients on contracting and procurement strategies across delivery models and procurement routes, including program-level capital planning and reporting.
Develop relationships with clients and cross-functional team members; participate in meetings with business unit VPs, directors, and staff; and prepare and deliver presentations.
Provide weekly updates on projects, initiatives, and staffing, propose solutions, and obtain management approval and agreement.
Identify and pursue cross-selling and business-generation opportunities; contribute to proposals and RFP responses for new clients and projects.
Capture and share knowledge and learning from commissions in internal databases, and attend relevant networking events.
Model a one-business culture that balances the needs of employees, clients, stakeholders, and society.
Adhere to applicable SOX control responsibilities.