Associate Director - Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Life Sciences Construction

Company Description

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. 

Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. 

Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. 

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world. 

Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Associate Director, Cost Management to lead the delivery of cost management services across large-scale life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, laboratory, research, and advanced manufacturing construction programs. This individual will provide commercial leadership throughout the project lifecycle, oversee key stakeholder relationships, and ensure successful delivery of cost management services across complex capital projects.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced client-facing leader with strong quantity surveying, cost management, and commercial controls expertise. This role requires exceptional communication skills, the ability to lead high-performing teams, and experience delivering projects within highly regulated, technical construction environments.


Responsibilities:

• Lead cost management teams, ensuring successful delivery of project objectives and client expectations.
• Serve as the primary commercial point of contact for clients, project stakeholders, consultants, and contractors throughout all project phases.
• Maintain excellent communication with clients and project teams across multiple projects and programs.
• Perform and oversee quantity surveying, cost controls, budgeting, forecasting, and change management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communicate effectively with owners, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders, ensuring successful coordination within the overall construction process.
• Support the strategic and operational management of Cost Management and Project Controls services across life sciences and advanced manufacturing portfolios.
• Act as the primary source for reporting overall commercial status, risks, opportunities, and project performance.
• Drive Turner & Townsend best practices across all stages of project and program delivery.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost management procedures, processes, templates, and reporting tools.
• Conduct staff performance reviews and contribute to employee development initiatives.
• Establish clear objectives and strategic direction for project teams.
• Identify, coach, and mentor talent to support professional growth and succession planning.
• Lead and develop high-performing cost management teams.
• Deliver excellence in leadership, client service, and commercial performance.
• Manage commission financial performance, including fee forecasts, resource planning, and profitability reporting.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor key performance indicators to support project and business goals.
• Implement and maintain company delivery methodologies, systems, and best practices.
• Support quality assurance activities and internal business management processes.
• Maintain a strong understanding of market conditions, construction trends, and industry best practices.
• Advise clients on procurement strategies, contract administration, capital planning, and commercial risk management.
• Build and strengthen relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, and internal teams.
• Participate in leadership meetings and prepare executive-level presentations and reports.
• Provide regular updates regarding project performance, staffing, commercial status, and strategic initiatives.
• Support business development efforts, proposal preparation, interviews, and client pursuits.
• Ensure lessons learned and benchmarking information are captured and shared across the business.
• Attend relevant industry and networking events.
• Act as a role model who promotes collaboration, innovation, and excellence in service delivery.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related construction discipline.
• Graduate degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• 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.
• Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
• RICS accreditation or equivalent professional certification is preferred.
• 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.

Additional Information

*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.

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

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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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.