Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Korean Speaking

Turner & Townsend•Chicago, IL

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to serve as the primary day‑to‑day client interface on a large‑scale, technically complex construction program in the Midwest. This role is responsible for ensuring client objectives are met through the delivery of a high‑quality, value‑added cost management service across the full project lifecycle. The position operates in a highly collaborative, multinational project environment and requires strong communication skills, commercial leadership, and independence. You will play a key role in embedding Turner & Townsend’s values while delivering best‑in‑class cost management outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, or a related construction discipline.
Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in a cost management or quantity surveying role within the construction industry.
Proven experience delivering cost management services on mission‑critical or technically complex projects is required.
Demonstrated deep trade and package‑level experience, including managing, pricing, and negotiating major construction trades.
Prior experience working within a construction consultancy environment is strongly preferred.
Solid understanding of procurement routes, cost planning methodologies, value management, and value engineering.
Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, large‑scale construction environment with minimal supervision.
Professional working proficiency in Korean and English is required, as this role involves direct communication with Korean‑speaking project stakeholders and documentation.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with confidence operating in a client‑facing role.

Nice To Haves

RICS accreditation or active progress toward chartership is preferred.

Responsibilities

Act as the key day‑to‑day commercial and cost interface between the client, design team, and contractor.
Prepare and present cost plans, estimates, and cashflow forecasts at key design and construction milestones.
Estimate, assess, and negotiate change orders throughout early works, major construction, and close‑out phases.
Review and participate with the design services team and general contractor in the development and reconciliation of cost estimates.
Coordinate all sources of cost information, including quantities from designers, subcontractor pricing, and supplier data.
Communicate regularly with the contractor and owner’s project management team to gather status information and prepare accurate cost updates.
Prepare written commentary on contractor submissions, including executive cost summaries.
Inform and influence engineering and design priorities based on cost, risk, and value considerations.
Proactively resolve cost and schedule issues with minimal supervision in a fast‑paced construction environment.
Manage valuations, cost checks, contingency management, commitment tracking, and cost impact logs.
Participate in post‑contract cost variance analysis and formal change control processes.
Lead value engineering and cost optimization workshops with key stakeholders.
Provide commercial input into design optioneering and procurement strategies.
Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations to achieve fair and competitive outcomes for the client.
Produce accurate monthly cost reports and funding data presentations.
Ensure final accounts are negotiated and agreed in a timely and compliant manner.
Maintain robust cost auditing, validation, and benchmarking records.
Track financial performance, fee forecasts, and margin levels using internal systems.
Implement and maintain Turner & Townsend business management systems and delivery methodologies.
Identify, coach, and mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative, high‑performance culture.
Demonstrate leadership aligned with Turner & Townsend’s values, service standards, and governance requirements.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.