Senior Construction Cost Manager – Benchmarking Lead

Turner & Townsend

Senior Cost Manager acting as the primary client interface for cost management services. Leading cost planning and managing large-scale projects for Turner & Townsend.

Posted 7/18/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $140,000 - $170,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in cost management and quantity surveying, with a strong focus on financial governance, cost planning, and strategic commercial guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Proficient in utilizing digital cost management tools and leading remote teams to ensure effective project delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cost ManagementQuantity SurveyingFinancial GovernanceDigital Cost Management ToolsStakeholder Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cost PlanningVariance AnalysisChange Control ProcessesCost ModelingForecastingCash Flow ProjectionsContract NegotiationValue EngineeringBenchmarkingCost Intelligence

Soft Skills

CommunicationLeadershipMentoringCollaborationStakeholder Engagement

Tools & Technologies

CostXDigital Cost Management Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

RICS AccreditationProfessional Certification

Industry Keywords

Construction ManagementProcurement RoutesCommercial ManagementProject LifecycleCapital Program Environment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.
Coordinate and consolidate cost information from 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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Bonuses
Flexible working environment
Professional development opportunities