Turner & TownsendVerified Source

Senior Cost Manager, Commercial Real Estate Construction

135K–175K
Onsite · San Jose, California
Posted August 12, 2026
payroll

Overview

You will own cost management and quantity surveying for commercial real estate projects across office, workplace, and campus developments. You will act as the day-to-day client interface, delivering cost plans, estimates, change management, and commercial reports from design through final account. Working with a global team of 22,000 professionals, you will drive value engineering and cost control on projects valued up to £27M. This role demands leadership and commercial acumen to mentor talent and improve project margins. Your expertise in NEC3/NEC4 contracts and MRICS progress will set you apart in a client-facing environment.

What You'll Do10

  • 1Estimate and negotiate change orders across the construction lifecycle.
  • 2Produce and present the final cost plan, including executive summaries for contractor submissions.
  • 3Reconcile contractor data and coordinate cost inputs from subcontractors, suppliers, and design teams.
  • 4Drive engineering and design priorities based on cost impact, resolving project and scheduling issues with minimal supervision.
  • 5Manage cost checks and valuations on larger projects, ensuring timely and accurate cost validation.
  • 6Lead post-contract cost variance management and change control processes.
  • 7Develop cost plans through design phases, updating at key milestones and supporting value engineering sessions.
  • 8Review contractor pricing, lead negotiations for fair pricing, and finalize project accounts on time.
  • 9Compile cost benchmarking data, track project financial performance, and implement best-practice cost management processes.
  • 10Coach and mentor team members to foster knowledge sharing and a collaborative culture.

Requirements9

  • 1Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
  • 24+ years of experience in quantity surveying, cost management, and construction delivery.
  • 3MRICS in progress or completed.
  • 4Experience leading cost management on medium to large-scale projects valued up to £27M.
  • 5Strong background in cost planning, estimating, forecasting, valuations, and final accounts.
  • 6Experience with NEC3/NEC4 contracts, compensation events, and contract administration.
  • 7Sector experience in water/wastewater, utilities, civil infrastructure, highways, industrial, warehouse, commercial, or campus development.
  • 8Proven ability to improve project margins and drive cost savings through value engineering.
  • 9Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.

Salary Insight

$135 - $175k per year

Location

Typeonsite
LocationSan Jose, California

Required Skills

Cost PlanningEstimatingCost ControlForecastingValuationsChange ManagementValue EngineeringNegotiation
Share:

Similar open positions

Explore active roles that match your skills and interests.

Turner & Townsend

11h agoChicago, Illinoispayroll

Senior Cost Manager Quantity Surveyor Turner & Townsend

Lead client cost management initiatives driving value across commercial real estate and infrastructure projects. Owner day-to-day client interactions delivering cost strategies and execution. Foster collaborative environment balancing client success and internal standards.

Competitive salary
EstimatingCost PlanningQuantity Surveying+8 more

Turner & Townsend

17h agoPhoenix, Arizonapayroll

Senior Cost Manager Quantity Surveyor Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend seeks a Senior Cost Manager Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management for a large-scale mission critical data center construction project. This client facing role ensures successful project delivery through cost oversight and commercial guidance.

Competitive salary
EstimatingCost PlanningCommercial Management+10 more

Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects, LLC

19h agoDallas, Texaspayroll

Senior Cost Manager ANS

Lead cost estimation and management for large infrastructure projects. Own cost strategies and drive improvements across diverse client engagements. Shape industry standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Competitive salary
CostXMicrosoft Office ExcelMicrosoft Office Word+9 more

Turner & Townsend

15h agoPhoenix, Arizonapayroll

Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor, Data Center Construction

Own cost management and commercial support for large-scale mission-critical data center construction projects across Phoenix, AZ. You will advise clients on procurement strategies, manage estimating and cost reporting, and drive value engineering with contractors and vendors. Join Turner & Townsend, a global professional services firm with 22,000+ people in 60+ countries, delivering complex programs. This role offers direct client exposure and the chance to shape multi-million-dollar builds from bid to closeout.

Competitive salary
Cost estimatingCost reportingCost control+5 more

Turner & Townsend

15h agoAustin, Texaspayroll

Senior Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

You will lead cost management for a massive, multi-phase data center construction program in the Greater Austin area, reporting directly to the client. You will own estimating, change orders, and cost reporting across the full project lifecycle, with 5-7 years of experience in cost management and strong client-facing skills. This role offers remote flexibility, with occasional travel to the project site. You will join a global professional services firm with 22,000 people, working on complex construction projects that impact people's lives.

Competitive salary
Cost EstimatingQuantity SurveyingCost Planning+8 more

Turner & Townsend

11h agoSan Francisco, Californiapayroll

Senior Estimator/Cost Manager - EV Construction

Turner & Townsend seeks a seasoned Senior Estimator/Cost Manager to serve as the primary client interface on major construction programs. The role drives disciplined commercial and cost management across complex, schedule‑driven projects. Candidates will lead cost planning, forecasting, and negotiation activities while fostering collaborative relationships within integrated project teams.

Competitive salary
Cost planningEstimatingForecasting+10 more