Interior Design Senior Cost Manager - Commercial Interior Fit-Out

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to lead the delivery of cost management and commercial advisory services for high-profile commercial interior fit-out projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing project costs throughout the full project lifecycle, from concept and design development through procurement, construction, and project close-out.

This role requires strong expertise in workplace, corporate office, retail, and commercial fit-out projects, with the ability to provide strategic cost advice, manage procurement activities, oversee commercial performance, and maintain strong client relationships. The individual will play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered on budget while meeting client expectations, programme requirements, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Planning & Pre-Contract Services

• Lead the preparation of feasibility studies, benchmarking exercises, elemental cost plans, budgets, and cost estimates for commercial interior fit-out projects.
• Provide cost advice during concept, schematic, and detailed design stages.
• Review design development and identify commercial risks, cost drivers, and value engineering opportunities.
• Develop and manage project budgets, cash flow forecasts, and cost strategies aligned with client objectives.
• Advise clients on market conditions, procurement approaches, and budget management throughout the project lifecycle.

Procurement & Tender Management

• Develop procurement strategies for interior fit-out packages and specialist trades.
• Prepare tender documentation, scope reviews, pricing schedules, and commercial evaluation criteria.
• Lead tender evaluations, contractor negotiations, and award recommendations.
• Review supplier and contractor quotations to ensure competitiveness and alignment with project budgets.
• Support contract execution and procurement governance requirements.

Post-Contract Cost Management

• Administer commercial aspects of projects during construction and fit-out delivery.
• Manage variations, change control processes, payment assessments, and final account settlements.
• Monitor project costs, commitments, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Review contractor claims and provide commercial recommendations.
• Identify commercial risks and implement mitigation measures to protect project outcomes.
• Ensure project delivery remains within approved budgets and financial targets.

Commercial Interior Fit-Out Expertise

• Provide cost management support across key fit-out trades, including:
  • Partitions and drywall systems
  • Ceiling systems
  • Architectural finishes
  • Joinery and millwork
  • Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E)
  • Loose furniture procurement
  • Floor finishes and raised flooring systems
  • Feature and specialist finishes
  • Workplace technology and AV coordination
  • Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) fit-out works
• Assess cost impacts arising from design changes, client variations, and programme adjustments.
• Support project teams in delivering design solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and budget requirements.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary commercial contact for clients and key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, designers, project managers, consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
• Lead cost reviews, budget workshops, procurement discussions, and commercial reporting meetings.
• Present cost reports, forecasts, and commercial recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Maintain high levels of client satisfaction through proactive communication and professional service delivery.

Team Leadership & Mentoring

• Lead and mentor Cost Managers, Assistant Cost Managers, and Quantity Surveyors.
• Review deliverables to ensure consistency, quality, and technical accuracy.
• Support resource planning and workload management across multiple projects.
• Promote continuous improvement, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Contribute to recruitment, coaching, and professional development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation such as MRICS, RICS, AIQS, CIQS, or equivalent professional membership is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of cost management principles, procurement methodologies, contract administration, and commercial management practices.
• Minimum 8-11 years of experience in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Commercial Management, or Project Delivery.
• Proven experience managing projects throughout the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and planning through construction and close-out.
• Strong pre-contract and post-contract experience, including:
  • Cost Planning
  • Budget Development
  • Procurement Strategy
  • Tender Management
  • Cost Reporting & Forecasting
  • Contract Administration
  • Change Management
  • Final Accounts
• Experience working within a consultancy, developer, or client-side environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading project teams and managing client relationships at a senior level.

Additional Information

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/

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