Senior Cost Manager - Life Sciences

Turner & Townsend • Philadelphia, PA

2d

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to support complex capital construction projects in research, laboratory, and innovation environments. The role provides comprehensive cost management throughout the project lifecycle, from planning and design through construction and closeout, and serves as a key day-to-day client interface.

The successful candidate will provide leadership, technical expertise, and commercial guidance while collaborating with project teams, consultants, contractors, and client stakeholders. They should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, skilled in communication and stakeholder management, and able to manage multiple priorities in a client-facing setting. The role may include SOX control responsibilities, where applicable. On-site presence and requirements may change depending on client needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related construction field.
• 5–7 years of cost management, quantity surveying, or construction estimating experience.
• Experience supporting commercial, laboratory, research, pharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences, higher education, or other technically complex construction projects.
• Experience managing project costs from design through construction closeout.
• Ability to independently prepare cost plans, estimates, cash flows, and cost reports.
• Experience reviewing contractor pricing and change orders, and conducting commercial negotiations.
• Knowledge of construction procurement strategies, value engineering, and cost control methodologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Consultancy experience.
• RICS accreditation or progress toward chartership.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost plans, estimates, and budgets throughout project planning and design phases.
• Review design documentation and provide cost advice to support informed decision-making.
• Prepare and maintain project cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and budget tracking tools.
• Lead cost checking, valuation, and change management processes throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing, proposals, and change order requests.
• Perform estimate reconciliation and benchmark analysis to validate project costs.
• Support procurement activities through bid evaluations, commercial reviews, and recommendations.
• Participate in value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.
• Monitor project commitments, forecast final costs, and identify potential commercial risks.
• Coordinate with project teams, consultants, and contractors to align scope, schedule, and budget.
• Produce monthly cost reports and present findings to client stakeholders.
• Support cost auditing activities and maintain robust cost validation processes.
• Manage contingency tracking and cost risk management activities.
• Manage post-contract cost variances and change control processes.
• Negotiate and agree final accounts in a timely manner.
• Maintain cost databases and benchmarking information to support future projects.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Support financial management of commissions, including resource planning and forecasting.
• Maintain compliance with internal procedures, controls, and delivery methodologies.
• Participate in client meetings and act as a trusted advisor on commercial and cost management matters.
• Adhere to applicable SOX control responsibilities.

Benefits

• A healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.
• An inclusive workplace where employees have the opportunity and voice to affect change.

What This Job Offers

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