Senior Cost Manager / Estimator - Construction Management

Job Description

Turner & Townsend are looking for an experienced and highly skilled Senior Cost Manager / Estimator to join our Los Angeles team, and lead cost management efforts for a variety of complex and high-profile construction projects. These projects will span multiple sectors, including data centers, life sciences, commercial real estate, and healthcare.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed, accurate cost estimates for projects in the pre-construction phase, including material take-offs, labor costs, and equipment costs.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project budgets, including contingency and risk allowances.
• Utilize historical data, industry benchmarks, and market trends to inform cost projections and ensure accuracy.
• Provide cost estimates for all phases of a project, from early conceptual design through to final construction.
• Develop and implement cost control procedures to monitor and manage project financial performance.
• Track actual costs against estimated costs throughout the project lifecycle, preparing regular cost reports and forecasting potential budget overruns.
• Review and approve change orders, ensuring that any cost impacts are accurately reflected in project budgets.
• Proactively identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend value engineering strategies to clients and project teams.
• Lead the bidding process, including the preparation of bid packages and the evaluation of subcontractor proposals.
• Negotiate terms with subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to ensure the best value and compliance with project specifications.
• Analyze subcontractor bids and proposals to assess cost competitiveness and ensure alignment with project scope and quality requirements.
• Identify potential cost risks and develop strategies for mitigating financial exposure throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in project risk assessments and provide insight into potential financial risks and opportunities for cost savings.
• Collaborate with project managers to ensure cost risks are effectively communicated and managed.
• Lead and mentor junior estimators and cost management staff, providing guidance and support in developing accurate estimates, cost reports, and cost control practices.
• Foster a collaborative team environment, working closely with architects, engineers, and project managers to ensure alignment between cost estimates, budgets, and project goals.
• Provide strategic oversight and leadership on cost management for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring consistency and quality of work.
• Prepare and deliver regular cost and financial reports to senior leadership, project teams, and clients, providing clear updates on budget status, potential risks, and cost forecasts.
• Communicate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to manage expectations and deliver timely information on project cost performance.
• Stay informed of industry trends, market conditions, and material costs that could impact project budgets, particularly in the data center, life sciences, healthcare, and commercial real estate sectors.
• Maintain and update cost databases and estimating tools to reflect market conditions, historical project data, and vendor pricing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years' experience in construction cost estimation and cost management, with specific experience in managing large-scale projects within data centers, life sciences, healthcare, and/or commercial real estate sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in and providing strategic oversight, and leading cost management on complex construction projects.
• Proven experience in managing multi-million dollar project budgets and developing accurate and detailed cost estimates.
• Advanced proficiency in estimating software (e.g., CostX, Bluebeam, Procore, Buildertrend, RSMeans, Timberline, or similar).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office Suite applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to develop and manage project budgets, provide detailed cost reports, and present cost-related data to senior leadership and clients.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly present complex cost data to a range of stakeholders.
• AACE (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) Certification or similar cost management/cost estimating certifications is advantageous.
• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to mentor and guide junior team members.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving with a focus on delivering cost-effective solutions.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and quality in estimating and cost management.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Additional Information

The salary range for this full-time role is $130K-$160K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications.