Senior Construction Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Benchmarking Lead

About the role

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to act as the key day-to-day client interface, ensuring client objectives are met through the delivery of a value-added cost management service.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary client interface, delivering clear, executive-level cost reporting, variance analysis, and strategic commercial guidance.
• Lead cost planning, estimating, and financial governance across the full project lifecycle, including preparing and presenting detailed cost plans, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Oversee project cost control processes, including managing change orders, valuations, contractor applications, and final account negotiations with a defensible, auditable approach.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing, lead commercial negotiations, and ensure accuracy and alignment of project cost data.
• Participate in design development, providing commercial input into design optioneering, value engineering, and engineering prioritization based on cost impact.
• Coverage of multiple sources, including contractors, consultants, and suppliers, to support informed decision-making.
• Manage post-contract cost variances, change control processes, and contingency tracking to ensure effective project delivery.
• Prepare monthly cost reports, funding updates, and executive summaries for client presentation.
• Lead and contribute to the development of Turner & Townsend’s internal benchmarking strategy, including compiling built cost data and establishing consistent cost baselines across programs.
• Track market trends (labor, materials, and economic conditions) and apply insights to forecasting and risk mitigation.
• Drive the use of digital cost management and benchmarking tools to standardize data, improve reporting, and enhance delivery efficiency.
• Oversee remote delivery teams, ensuring consistent execution of best practices, governance standards, and company methodologies.
• Mentor and support junior team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of internal business management systems and delivery frameworks.
• Support financial management activities, including fee tracking, resource forecasting, and margin reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in cost management or quantity surveying, ideally within a consultancy or large capital program environment.
• Proven experience delivering cost management services on medium to large, complex construction projects.
• Demonstrated ability to develop cost models, analyze project data, and contribute to benchmarking or cost intelligence initiatives.
• Experience leading or coordinating remote or distributed project teams is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction industry practices, including procurement routes, value engineering, and commercial management.
• Proficiency with digital cost management tools (e.g., CostX or similar platforms).
• RICS accreditation (or working toward it) or equivalent professional certification is preferred.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.