Cost Management Lead (PMO) - Transport Infrastructure

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.

Please visit our website: www.turnerandtownsend.com.

The Cost Management Lead oversees all aspects of project budgeting and cost control. The role holder is responsible for leading a team of cost managers within the PMO function. The role holder develops and implements robust cost control processes and ensures compliance with industry standards. The Cost Management Lead collaborates with various project leads to ensure cohesive planning and execution, while driving continuous improvement initiatives within the cost management function. The role also requires proven experience operating within a large, complex major programme of strategic significance, demonstrating the ability to navigate high‑value, multi‑stakeholder delivery environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and management of cost control processes, ensuring project budgets, expenditures, forecasts, and cash flow are accurately monitored and maintained.
• Manage overall project budgeting and financial performance, ensuring alignment with project objectives, constraints, and compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Produce detailed cost reports, variance analyses, scenario models, and financial forecasts, presenting insights and recommendations to senior management for cost optimisation and informed decision‑making.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, functional leads (Cost Estimating, Scheduling, Scope & Benefits, Systems Implementation, Change Management), Finance, Procurement, and other stakeholders to support integrated project planning and delivery.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate cost-related risks, providing analysis and guidance on cost‑saving opportunities and value‑enhancing initiatives.
• Support procurement activities, including prequalification, tender preparation and evaluation, contract analysis, and contract preparation, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement across the cost management function by adopting industry best practices and innovative approaches.
• Perform additional duties as required to support successful project delivery.

Experience

• 15+ years of experience in Construction Cost / Finance Management, Consultancy or Contractor / Developer experience.
• Extensive experience in conceptual project budgeting, construction risk identification, scheduling, project planning, design and cost management and controls at various project stages.
• Extensive experience operating within a PMO or PMC function on major infrastructure, engineering, or manufacturing programmes
• Possess a detailed knowledge of construction procedures and procurement processes.

Skills

• Cost Management & Financial Acumen: Strong knowledge of budgeting, cost control, forecasting, financial reporting, variance analysis, and cost data validation on large, complex programmes (PMO/PMC environments). Proficient in scenario modelling and interpreting financial data for decision‑making.

• Analytical, Numerical & Data Skills: Advanced analytical and critical‑thinking abilities, including data analysis, trend identification, accurate numerical calculations, and the ability to assess financial and project performance.

• Project & Risk Management Expertise: Solid understanding of project management principles—planning, scheduling, resource allocation, change management, delay/impact analysis—and experience identifying and mitigating cost and delivery risks.

• Contractual & Commercial Knowledge: Deep understanding of contract structures (T&M, fixed price, milestone‑based, etc.), procurement processes, and commercial governance, with the ability to challenge suppliers and validate cost accuracy.

• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present data, convey complex financial insights, and maintain open, transparent collaboration with delivery leads, executives, and project teams.

• Leadership & Influence: Leadership capability to supervise teams and positively influence senior stakeholders, delivery leads, suppliers, and cross‑functional colleagues.

• Software & Systems Proficiency: Experience using cost management and financial project systems such as SAP, Oracle, Anaplan, Workday, or specialised construction/finance tools.

• Adaptability & Working Under Pressure: Ability to work effectively during demanding financial cycles and manage workload in high‑pressure, fast‑paced environments.

• Industry & Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of design and construction principles, industry guidelines, and the cost/production lifecycle (aligned with quantity surveying or cost management functions).

Education / training

• Minimum Level 8 degree (or equivalent) in relevant subject area e.g., engineering, project management, cost and commercial/financial management etc.
• Relevant industry recognised professional qualification, MRICS, MSCSI, Certified Management Accountant or equivalent (CMA).
• Chartered status with SCSI / RICS, IEI, ICE

Our people share our Purpose and Values. Turner & Townsend provides a great place to work, where everyone can make change happen and influence a better world.

We champion our people to succeed in both 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. We actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

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

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