Director of Cost Management

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 programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. 

Our capabilities include program, 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 program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.

Job Description

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Cost Management to join our organization in Seattle, United States. In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee the strategic direction and operational excellence of our cost management services, leading a talented team of cost managers while driving business growth and delivering exceptional value to our clients. This position offers the opportunity to shape industry practices, mentor high-performing professionals, and establish yourself as a thought leader in construction cost management.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of cost managers, fostering a culture of learning, respect, inclusivity, and professional growth while ensuring accountability and service excellence
• Establish and communicate a clear strategic vision and operational roadmap aligned with organizational business objectives, setting ambitious yet achievable goals for the cost management service line
• Oversee all aspects of cost management service delivery for large-scale construction projects, ensuring client satisfaction, quality standards, and on-time, on-budget project completion
• Manage client relationships and communications, serving as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders and acting as a brand ambassador to build and strengthen client partnerships
• Direct financial management activities, including revenue tracking, margin analysis, budget forecasting, and resource allocation across all cost management commissions using internal financial systems
• Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis of construction market conditions, translating findings into actionable insights and thought leadership reports that position the organization as an industry authority
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance internal systems, workflows, and operational efficiency while maintaining compliance with quality standards and ISO requirements
• Identify and pursue cross-selling opportunities and new business development initiatives, actively participating in proposal development, RFP responses, and client pitches
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and critical success factors, conducting regular performance reviews and implementing corrective actions as needed
• Manage knowledge management systems, ensuring that project learnings, best practices, and valuable insights are captured, documented, and shared across the organization
• Coordinate quality control activities, participate in internal audits, and represent the organization in external certification audits
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align cost management services with broader organizational strategy and drive integrated business solutions
• Support talent acquisition efforts by actively partnering with recruitment teams to attract top talent and proactively plan for future staffing needs
• Participate in networking events, industry conferences, and promotional opportunities to expand market presence and build a robust pipeline of new business opportunities
• Model organizational values and drive a unified business culture that balances the needs of employees, clients, stakeholders, and society
• Fulfill SOX control responsibilities where applicable, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance standards

Qualifications

 

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or a related construction field
• Graduate degree in quantity surveying, cost management, construction management, or engineering (preferred)
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in cost management, quantity surveying, or related construction consulting services
• Minimum 2+ years of demonstrated experience managing and developing high-performing cost management teams in a consulting or corporate environment
• Proven track record of successfully delivering cost management services to major clients and managing complex, large-scale construction projects
• Exceptional business development acumen with a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities, build client relationships, and drive revenue growth
• Extensive experience working with high-caliber clients across diverse sectors including commercial real estate, data centers, life sciences, industrial manufacturing, and natural resources
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management, financial forecasting, margin analysis, and P&L responsibility
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, operational management, and process improvement
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients, team members, and senior leadership
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with meticulous attention to detail
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop talent while fostering an inclusive and collaborative team environment
• Knowledge of industry standards, best practices, quality control procedures, and compliance requirements (ISO standards preferred)
• Experience with project portfolio management and resource planning
• Proficiency with financial management software and project management tools
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and professional development
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously

Additional Information

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

The base salary range for this role is $185K-$210K USD. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of the posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills,

qualifications

, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

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.

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