Senior Cost Manager - Life Sciences Construction

Turner & Townsend • Wilson, NC

22h

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. The role supports a major pharmaceutical and consumer health manufacturing expansion program in Wilson, North Carolina, involving redevelopment and expansion of a large-scale manufacturing campus. The position contributes to cost management throughout the project lifecycle, from planning and design through construction and closeout.

The successful candidate will work directly with clients and collaborate with project teams and stakeholders, providing leadership and direction while promoting Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and vision. The role includes cost planning, estimating, cost controls, change management, commercial negotiations, reporting, and client service. On-site presence and requirements may change depending on client needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction field.
• Minimum 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.
• Strong communication skills and comfort operating in a client-facing environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with project teams and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• RICS accredited 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 estimating 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 cost information from suppliers, subcontractors, NPA data, quantities, and architect/engineer information for cost discussions.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impacts.
• Proactively resolve project and scheduling issues with minimal supervision.
• 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 and update cost plans and estimates at key design milestones.
• Provide commercial input into design optioneering and value engineering exercises.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead client-side negotiations to secure fair and competitive contract pricing.
• Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and change management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain effective post-contract cost variance and change control processes.
• 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’ success.
• Deliver leadership and service 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.
• Promote a one-business culture that balances positive outcomes for people, clients, stakeholders, and society.
• Adhere to applicable SOX control responsibilities.

Benefits

• Flexible working environment that supports work-life balance.
• Inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and encourages applications from all sectors of the community.

What This Job Offers

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