Senior Cost Manager – Commercial Real Estate

Turner & Townsend

. Act as the key day-to-day client interface for commercial real estate construction projects .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in cost management for commercial real estate construction projects, including estimating, negotiating, and managing costs throughout the project lifecycle. Strong ability to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders while leading multidisciplinary teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cost ManagementChange Order NegotiationConstruction Consultancy ExperienceClient-Facing CommunicationRICS Accreditation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cost EstimationCost AuditingValue EngineeringCost ValidationChange ControlFinancial ReportingConstruction Project ManagementProcurement RoutesDesign Team CollaborationContractor Pricing Review

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationIndependent WorkCollaborative TeamworkStakeholder ManagementCoaching and Mentoring

Tools & Technologies

Internal Business Management Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Construction ManagementRICS Accreditation

Industry Keywords

Commercial Real EstateConstruction IndustryCost Management ServicesValue ManagementMedium to High Complexity Projects

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as the key day-to-day client interface for commercial real estate construction projects
Deliver value-added cost management services across a diverse construction project portfolio
Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle
Produce, present, and update cost plans and estimates at design milestones
Review and participate in design team and general contractor cost estimate development
Reconcile changes and verify contractor data accuracy
Gather project status information and prepare cost estimate updates
Prepare written comments and executive summaries on contractor submissions
Coordinate cost information from clients, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and engineers
Inform engineering priorities based on cost impact
Resolve scheduling issues proactively
Manage cost checks, valuations, cost auditing, and cost validation processes
Manage post-contract cost variances, change control, contingency, and commitment tracking
Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate value engineering sessions
Provide commercial input to design optioneering and value engineering
Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead client-side negotiations
Produce monthly cost reports for client presentation
Negotiate and agree final accounts
Compile built cost estimate records for benchmarking
Coach and mentor talent
Track commission margins, fee/resource forecasts, and financial reports using internal software
Maintain internal business management systems, delivery methodologies, and tools
Promote Turner & Townsend’s values, vision, and one-business culture
Adhere to SOX controls where applicable

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering or a construction-related field
Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in a cost management role in the construction industry
RICS accredited or working towards it is preferred
Experience leading cost management on medium or large-sized construction projects of medium to high complexity
Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred
Good knowledge of construction industry technical matters, including procurement routes, value management, and value engineering
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams
Client-facing and stakeholder management experience
Additional on-site presence may be required depending on client needs

Benefits

Comp & perks

Remote work opportunity
Healthy, productive, and flexible working environment
Work-life balance support
Inclusive and diverse workplace
Confidential handling of applicant information