Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Korean Speaking

turnertownsend

Chicago, Illinois, United States · Chicago · United States

Posted May 27, 2026

Full-time
Hybrid
Real estate
Mid-Senior Level

Job description

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 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 Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to serve as the primary day‑to‑day client interface on a large‑scale, technically complex construction program in the Midwest. This role is responsible for ensuring client objectives are met through the delivery of a high‑quality, value‑added cost management service across the full project lifecycle. The position operates in a highly collaborative, multinational project environment and requires strong communication skills, commercial leadership, and independence. You will play a key role in embedding Turner & Townsend’s values while delivering best‑in‑class cost management outcomes. Responsibilities: Act as the key day‑to‑day commercial and cost interface between the client, design team, and contractor. Prepare and present cost plans, estimates, and cashflow forecasts at key design and construction milestones. Estimate, assess, and negotiate change orders throughout early works, major construction, and close‑out phases. Review and participate with the design services team and general contractor in the development and reconciliation of cost estimates. Coordinate all sources of cost information, including quantities from designers, subcontractor pricing, and supplier data. Communicate regularly with the contractor and owner’s project management team to gather status information and prepare accurate cost updates. Prepare written commentary on contractor submissions, including executive cost summaries. Inform and influence engineering and design priorities based on cost, risk, and value considerations. Proactively resolve cost and schedule issues with minimal supervision in a fast‑paced construction environment. Manage valuations, cost checks, contingency management, commitment tracking, and cost impact logs. Participate in post‑contract cost variance analysis and formal change control processes. Lead value engineering and cost optimization workshops with key stakeholders. Provide commercial input into design optioneering and procurement strategies. Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations to achieve fair and competitive outcomes for the client. Produce accurate monthly cost reports and funding data presentations. Ensure final accounts are negotiated and agreed in a timely and compliant manner. Maintain robust cost auditing, validation, and benchmarking records. Track financial performance, fee forecasts, and margin levels using internal systems. Implement and maintain Turner & Townsend business management systems and delivery methodologies. Identify, coach, and mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative, high‑performance culture. Demonstrate leadership aligned with Turner & Townsend’s values, service standards, and governance requirements. SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable. Project / Program Environment Large‑scale, multi‑year construction program with significant early works and foundation packages followed by major vertical construction. Complex site conditions requiring close coordination between cost, schedule, and design disciplines. High expectations for cost certainty, change control, and stakeholder communication throughout the project lifecycle. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, or a related construction discipline. Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in a cost management or quantity surveying role within the construction industry. Proven experience delivering cost management services on mission‑critical or technically complex projects is required. Demonstrated deep trade and package‑level experience, including managing, pricing, and negotiating major construction trades. Prior experience working within a construction consultancy environment is strongly preferred. Solid understanding of procurement routes, cost planning methodologies, value management, and value engineering. Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, large‑scale construction environment with minimal supervision. Professional working proficiency in Korean and English is required, as this role involves direct communication with Korean‑speaking project stakeholders and documentation. Strong written and verbal communication skills with confidence operating in a client‑facing role. RICS accreditation or active progress toward chartership is preferred. Additional Information *On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs. The base salary range for this role is $135K-$165K 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. Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/ and https://www.heery.com/ All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Join our social media conversations for more information about Turner & Townsend and our exciting future projects: Twitter Instagram LinkedIn 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.