Senior Cost Manager - Life Sciences Construction

Turner & Townsend • Wilson, NC

5d

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to serve as a key day-to-day client interface and deliver value-added cost management services that achieve client objectives. The position supports a major pharmaceutical and consumer health manufacturing expansion program in Wilson, North Carolina. The program involves redevelopment and expansion of a large-scale manufacturing campus, with ongoing and future capital projects. The role covers cost management throughout the full project lifecycle, from planning and design through construction and closeout. Mileage reimbursement and additional support may be available to candidates commuting from surrounding areas, depending on individual circumstances.

The successful candidate will communicate confidently in a client-facing environment, work independently with minimal supervision, and collaborate effectively with project teams and stakeholders. The position provides leadership and direction while promoting Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and vision. On-site presence and requirements may change depending on client needs. The company promotes a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction field.
• At least 5–7 years of relevant experience in a construction-industry cost management role.
• Experience leading cost management services on medium- to large-scale construction projects of moderate to high complexity.
• Strong understanding of construction-industry technical matters, including procurement strategies, value management, and value engineering.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, cost controls, change management, and commercial negotiations.
• Excellent client-facing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced project environment and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

• RICS accreditation or actively working toward accreditation.
• Experience leading cost management services on large-scale industrial, pharmaceutical, life sciences, manufacturing, or consumer products capital projects.
• Experience supporting greenfield, brownfield, expansion, or facility modernization programs.
• Construction consultancy experience.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Provide estimate and cost planning services, including producing and presenting final cost plans.
• Review and participate with the design services team and general contractor in developing cost estimates.
• Reconcile changes and assist the general contractor in ensuring cost data is accurate.
• Communicate and meet with the general contractor, owner, and project manager to gather status information and prepare cost estimate updates.
• Prepare written comments on contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
• Coordinate sources of cost information for cost discussions, including suppliers, subcontractors, NPA data, quantities, and architect/engineer information.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impacts.
• Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve project and scheduling issues.
• Manage cost checks and valuations on larger projects, ensuring timely and accurate cost validation.
• Participate in post-contract cost variance management and change control processes.
• Manage cost impact assessments, contingency management, and commitment tracking logs.
• Prepare funding presentations and coordinate value engineering sessions with stakeholders.
• Develop cost plans and estimates throughout the design phase and provide updates at key design milestones.
• Provide commercial input into design optioneering and value engineering exercises.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations on behalf of the client to secure fair and competitive contract pricing.
• Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and change management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain robust cost auditing, valuation, and validation processes.
• Produce and present monthly cost reports to the client.
• Negotiate and finalize project accounts in a timely manner.
• Compile and maintain built-cost benchmarking data.
• Identify, coach, and mentor talent, and celebrate others’ successes.
• Demonstrate leadership and service delivery in line with project and client expectations.
• Use internal systems to manage commission financial performance, including fee forecasts, resource forecasting, and reporting.
• Implement and maintain Turner & Townsend business management systems, methodologies, and tools to ensure consistent client delivery.
• Promote a one-business culture that balances positive outcomes for people, clients, stakeholders, and society.
• Adhere to applicable SOX control responsibilities.

Benefits

• Mileage reimbursement and additional commuting support may be available based on individual circumstances.
• Flexible working environment that supports work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

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