Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Construction

Turner & Townsend•San Francisco, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to serve as the primary client interface, ensuring client objectives are met through a value-added cost management service. This role requires strong communication skills and comfort in a client-facing capacity. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, driven, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively. In this key position, the individual will provide leadership, promote the company's purpose, values, and vision, and manage cost management services for clients.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering or field related to construction.
Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience working in a cost management role in the construction industry.
Experience of leading cost management on medium or large sized construction projects of medium to high complexity.
Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
Good knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
Excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

RICS accredited or working towards it is preferred.

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.
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 into digital solutions.
Partner with clients and project teams to align scope, cost, and delivery strategy.
Provide value engineering and data-driven recommendations to support decision-making.
Communicate complex cost and risk insights to senior stakeholders with clarity and influence.
Contribute to enterprise cost strategies, capital planning, and long-range forecasting.
Mentor team members and drive continuous improvement