Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Korean Speaking

About the role

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to serve as the primary day-to-day client interface on a large-scale, technically complex construction program in the Midwest. This role is responsible for ensuring client objectives are met through the delivery of a high-quality, value-added cost management service across the full project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Act as the key day-to-day commercial and cost interface between the client, design team, and contractor.
• Prepare and present cost plans, estimates, and cashflow forecasts at key design and construction milestones.
• Estimate, assess, and negotiate change orders throughout early works, major construction, and close-out phases.
• Review and participate with the design services team and general contractor in the development and reconciliation of cost estimates.
• Capture and coordinate all sources of cost information, including quantities from designers, subcontractor pricing, and supplier data.
• Communicate regularly with the contractor and owner’s project management team to gather status information and prepare accurate cost updates.
• Prepare written commentary on contractor submissions, including executive cost summaries.
• Inform and influence engineering and design priorities based on cost, risk, and value considerations.
• Proactively resolve cost and schedule issues with minimal supervision in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Manage valuations, cost checks, contingency management, commitment tracking, and cost impact logs.
• Participate in post-contract cost variance analysis and formal change control processes.
• Lead value engineering and cost optimization workshops with key stakeholders.
• Provide commercial input into design optioneering and procurement strategies.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations to achieve fair and competitive outcomes for the client.
• Produce accurate monthly cost reports and funding data presentations.
• Ensure final accounts are negotiated and agreed in a timely and compliant manner.
• Maintain robust cost auditing, validation, and benchmarking records.
• Track financial performance, fee forecasts, and margin levels using internal systems.
• Implement and maintain Turner & Townsend business management systems and delivery methodologies.
• Identify, coach, and mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Demonstrate leadership aligned with Turner & Townsend’s values, service standards, and governance requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, or a related construction discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in a cost management or quantity surveying role within the construction industry.
• Proven experience delivering cost management services on mission-critical or technically complex projects is required.
• Demonstrated deep trade and package-level experience, including managing, pricing, and negotiating major construction trades.
• Prior experience working within a construction consultancy environment is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of procurement routes, cost planning methodologies, value management, and value engineering.
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced, large-scale construction environment with minimal supervision.
• Professional working proficiency in Korean and English is required, as this role involves direct communication with Korean-speaking project stakeholders and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with confidence operating in a client-facing role.
• RICS accreditation or active progress toward chartership is preferred.