Associate Director - Life Sciences Construction

Turner & Townsend•Wilson, NC

7h•$165,000 - $190,000•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 stakeholder relationships, and ensures successful cost management services throughout the project lifecycle. The position requires strong communication, leadership, independence, and a client-facing approach, while promoting Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and vision. This is a primarily site-based role supporting a major construction program, with regular on-site presence at the project site in Wilson, North Carolina, approximately 50 miles from Raleigh. On-site requirements may change depending on client needs. The Associate Director leads cost management and project controls services, advises clients on commercial and procurement matters, develops client and team relationships, supports business development, and helps ensure consistent delivery of company standards and best practices. The base salary range is $165,000–$190,000 USD. Employees may also be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction field.
At least 5–7 years of relevant cost management experience in the construction industry.
Experience leading cost management on medium-to-large 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.
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 it delivers on its accountabilities.
Lead interactions with the client, stakeholders, and other consultants throughout all project stages.
Maintain excellent communication with clients and consultants throughout the project lifecycle.
Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and change management activities.
Coordinate Turner & Townsend’s work with the general contractor, owner’s representatives, and external stakeholders in the overall 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 the overall commercial status of a project.
Apply Turner & Townsend best practices throughout projects and programs.
Identify opportunities to improve cost management procedures, processes, templates, and products.
Undertake staff performance reviews; set team strategy and ambition; coach and mentor staff; and support talent development.
Demonstrate leadership and service delivery excellence in line with commission appointment terms.
Track commission margins, monthly fee and resource forecasts, and financial reports using internal software.
Develop priority plans, risk mitigation, KPI measures, appraisals, management controls, and critical success factors aligned with company goals.
Implement and maintain internal Business Management Systems, delivery methodologies, and tools.
Conduct internal BMS audits and coordinate and represent the office during external certification audits.
Develop market knowledge, represent the company’s brand, and build a pipeline of opportunities.
Advise clients on contracting and procurement strategies, delivery models, procurement routes, and program-level capital planning and reporting.
Build strong relationships with clients and cross-functional team members.
Participate in meetings with the VP of Business Unit, directors, and staff, and prepare and deliver presentations.
Provide weekly updates on project, initiative, and staffing status; propose solutions; and obtain management approval and agreement.
Identify and pursue cross-selling and business-generation opportunities.
Contribute to proposals and RFP responses for prospective clients and projects.
Capture key information and lessons learned from commissions in internal databases.
Attend relevant networking events.
Model a one-business culture that balances the needs of employees, clients, stakeholders, and society to achieve strong outcomes.
Adhere to applicable SOX control responsibilities.