Mechanical Cost Manager- Real Estate Construction

Turner & Townsend • Houston, TX

4d

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Mechanical Cost Manager to join their team. This role involves managing costs related to mechanical systems (HVAC, cooling, chilled water) throughout the design and construction phases of projects. The ideal candidate will have experience in cost management within the construction industry, specifically with medium to large, complex projects. This position requires strong communication skills, a solid understanding of construction procurement, value management, and value engineering. The role also involves collaborating with design teams, general contractors, and vendors to ensure accurate cost assumptions and manage cost impacts from scope changes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or related construction field.
• 5–7+ years of cost management experience within the construction industry.
• Experience leading cost management on medium to large, complex construction projects.
• Solid understanding of construction procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
• Excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• RICS accreditation (or working toward accreditation) preferred.
• Strong construction consultancy experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Provide estimating and cost planning, including producing and presenting final cost plans.
• Review and collaborate with design teams and general contractors in developing cost estimates.
• Reconcile cost changes and support general contractor data accuracy.
• Gather project status updates to prepare cost estimate revisions.
• Prepare written commentary on contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
• Coordinate all sources of cost data, including suppliers, subcontractors, and design teams.
• Advise on engineering priorities based on cost impact.
• Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve scheduling‑related issues.
• Manage cost checks and valuations on large projects, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Participate in post‑contract cost variance analysis and change control processes.
• Maintain cost impact logs, contingency management, and commitment tracking.
• Prepare funding presentations and coordinate value‑engineering sessions.
• Develop cost plans and estimates at design milestones.
• Provide commercial input for design optioneering and value engineering exercises.
• Review contractor/subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations to achieve fair contract values.
• Perform quantity surveying, cost control, and change management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure robust cost auditing, valuation, and cost validation processes.
• Produce monthly cost reports for client presentation.
• Ensure timely negotiation and agreement of final accounts.
• Compile built‑cost records for benchmarking purposes.
• Demonstrate excellence in leadership and service delivery in line with commission requirements.
• Manage financial performance using internal tools for margin tracking and forecasting.
• Implement internal business management systems and delivery methodologies for consistent best‑practice execution.
• Promote a one‑business culture focused on balanced outcomes for people, clients, and stakeholders.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.
• Provide cost input on mechanical systems (HVAC, cooling, chilled water) throughout design and construction.
• Review and validate contractor pricing for mechanical scopes.
• Support value engineering and cost optimization of cooling systems.
• Coordinate with engineers and vendors to ensure accurate mechanical cost assumptions.
• Track and manage cost impacts related to mechanical scope changes.

Benefits

• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

What This Job Offers

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