Associate Director – Cost Manager, Quantity Surveyor – Life Sciences Construction

Turner & Townsend

. Lead cost management teams and deliver project objectives and client expectations .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in cost management, quantity surveying, and commercial management within the construction industry, with a strong focus on client relationship management and team leadership. Proven ability to implement best practices, develop risk mitigation strategies, and enhance project performance through effective budgeting and forecasting.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cost ManagementQuantity SurveyingCommercial ManagementClient Relationship ManagementLeadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cost PlanningEstimatingChange ManagementContract AdministrationBudget DevelopmentForecastingCost ReportingCash Flow AnalysisPerformance MonitoringRisk Mitigation

Soft Skills

LeadershipOrganizational SkillsWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationTeam Development

Certifications & Qualifications

RICS AccreditationProfessional Certification

Industry Keywords

Construction ManagementPharmaceuticalBiotechnologyHealthcareAdvanced ManufacturingLaboratoryResearch & DevelopmentCommercial ControlsSOX ComplianceConstruction Consultancy

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead cost management teams and deliver project objectives and client expectations
Serve as the primary commercial contact for clients, stakeholders, consultants, and contractors
Perform and oversee quantity surveying, cost controls, budgeting, forecasting, and change management
Support strategic and operational management of Cost Management and Project Controls services
Report commercial status, risks, opportunities, and project performance
Drive company best practices across project and program delivery
Improve cost management procedures, processes, templates, and reporting tools
Conduct staff performance reviews and support employee development
Establish objectives and strategic direction for project teams
Coach and mentor talent and develop high-performing teams
Manage commission financial performance, fee forecasts, resource planning, and profitability reporting
Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor key performance indicators
Implement delivery methodologies, systems, and best practices
Support quality assurance and internal business management processes
Advise clients on procurement strategies, contract administration, capital planning, and commercial risk management
Build relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, and internal teams
Participate in leadership meetings and prepare executive-level presentations and reports
Provide updates on project performance, staffing, commercial status, and strategic initiatives
Support business development, proposal preparation, interviews, and client pursuits
Capture and share lessons learned and benchmarking information
Attend relevant industry and networking events
Adhere to applicable SOX control responsibilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related construction discipline
Minimum 8+ years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, commercial management, or project controls within the construction industry
Significant experience supporting life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, laboratory, research & development, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, or other highly technical construction projects
Demonstrated experience leading cost management teams and managing client relationships on complex capital programs
Strong knowledge of cost planning, estimating, procurement, change management, contract administration, and commercial controls
Experience developing and reviewing budgets, forecasts, cost reports, cash flow analyses, and final accounts
Excellent leadership, presentation, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects, stakeholders, and priorities in a fast-paced environment
Proven ability to develop teams, drive continuous improvement, and deliver exceptional client service
Graduate degree in a related field preferred
Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred
RICS accreditation or equivalent professional certification preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Remote work availability
Flexible working environment
Work-life balance support
Healthy and productive working environment
Equal opportunity and inclusive workplace
Confidential handling of applicant information