Cost Manager - Real Estate Construction - job 1 of 2

From the inception of a project through to completion and beyond, Turner & Townsend help to deliver the outcomes that matter through transformational projects covering the full spectrum of consultancy, project delivery and post-project operations.

With offices located globally, you're never far away from our services. With over 22,000 specialists in more than 60 countries, we blend local knowledge with global insight to tackle challenges of any scale.  

Our team is dynamic, innovative and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity and the quality we deliver. As a result, our people get to enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world.

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Cost Manager to join our team supporting commercial real estate and corporate interiors projects. This role is ideal for professionals with experience in tenant improvements (TI), office fit-outs, and capital projects across the real estate sector. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, client-focused, and capable of delivering high-quality cost management services throughout the project lifecycle.

*On-site/office presence is required Monday to Friday. Requirements may change depending on our client's needs.

Responsibilities:

• Advise clients on procurement strategies and vendor selection.
• Manage prequalification, bid leveling, and final recommendations.
• Lead bid interviews and oversee the appointment process.
• Develop and present project estimates covering construction, fees, direct work, and other costs.
• Review and challenge vendor estimates using benchmark data and market intelligence.
• Present value engineering options and risk assessments to clients.
• Administer live construction contracts and manage change order procedures, including client sign-off.
• Review contractor measured quantities and validate cost accuracy.
• Oversee cost reporting and forecasting, including budget tracking, variance analysis, and spend projections.
• Establish and maintain reporting schedules and commercial risk registers.
• Review and process contractor pay applications, manage invoicing workflows, and monitor cash flow.
• Evaluate and negotiate change orders, liaising with project managers to assess contractor entitlements.
• Support dispute prevention and resolution related to payment requisitions and contractual issues.
• Benchmark performance against other successful commissions.
• Manage final account close-out, including audits, vendor settlements, and post-contract reviews.
• Document lessons learned and contribute to internal training materials.
• Develop procedures for project handover and close-out.
• Utilize tools such as Bid Analysis Sheets, Change Control Forms, cost estimating software, and take-off platforms.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in cost management, ideally within commercial real estate or corporate interiors.
• Experience supporting cost management on medium to large-scale construction projects.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, procurement routes, and cost control processes.
• Proficiency in cost estimating and take-off software.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.
• RICS accreditation or progress toward certification is valuable.
• Experience in a consultancy environment is strongly preferred.
• Solid knowledge of industry practices including value management and engineering.

The salary range for this full-time role is $105K-$130K 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.

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs*

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change. We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. 

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community. 

Turner & Townsend does not accept any speculative or unsolicited CV’s that have been sent to our internal recruitment team or hiring managers from agencies outside of our preferred supplier list. Any speculative or unsolicited CV’s will be treated as a direct application. 

It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time.  

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Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/ 

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It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. 

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.