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 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

Job Description

The Cost & Estimating Manager is responsible for leading the development, management, and assurance of cost and estimating processes across the major rail programme. Operating within the Programme Management Office (PMO), the role ensures robust cost planning, consistent estimating methodologies, and effective cost control aligned with programme governance.

The role acts as the central point for cost and estimating standards, ensuring alignment across delivery partners and integration with schedule, risk, baseline management, and performance reporting. It supports informed decision-making by providing accurate cost forecasts, scenario analysis, and commercial insight.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Management & Control

Lead programme-level cost management processes, including:
Budget development and control
Cost forecasting and variance analysis
Management of contingency and risk allowances
Monitor cost performance across all projects and work packages.
Ensure alignment between approved budgets, committed costs, and forecast outturn positions.
Provide clear reporting on cost performance to support governance and decision-making.

Estimating Strategy & Assurance

Define and implement consistent estimating methodologies and standards across the programme.
Oversee the development and review of estimates at various stages (concept, design, procurement, delivery).
Ensure estimates are:
- Robust and evidence-based
- Aligned with scope, schedule, and risk assumptions
Lead independent estimate reviews, benchmarking, and assurance activities.

Cost Forecasting & Analysis

Lead development of cost forecasts at programme and project levels.
Provide scenario analysis and “what-if” modelling to support decision-making.
Identify cost risks, trends, and pressures early, and support mitigation planning.
Support funding reviews, business case updates, and affordability assessments.

Stakeholder Coordination

Work closely with:
- Commercial teams
- Project managers
- Planning/scheduling teams
- Risk and assurance functions
Ensure alignment of cost assumptions and data across all stakeholders.
Act as the PMO focal point for cost and estimating governance.

Governance & Compliance

Ensure cost and estimating processes align with:
Programme governance requirements
Public infrastructure and funding frameworks (e.g. TII, Department of Transport)
Support stage gate approvals, reviews, and audit processes.
Maintain auditability and transparency of all cost and estimating outputs.

Continuous Improvement & Best Practice

Drive continuous improvement in cost and estimating processes, tools, and methodologies.
Introduce benchmarking, lessons learned, and industry best practices.
Support capability development across the programme in cost management disciplines.

Qualifications

7 plus years of experience in Cost Management & Estimation
Experience conducting cost management and estimation on active civil, rail / transit, airport, or commercial construction project.
A proven track record of conducting cost management in high value metro rail projects or projects of a similar scale / complexity.
Significant experience of supporting the delivery of cost management in major project environments to enable achievement of project goals and objectives.
Significant experience in conceptual project budgeting, construction risk identification, scheduling, project planning, design and cost estimating at various project stages.
Significant experience of dealing with a range of stakeholders at all levels across the organisation influencing the improvement of process and providing guidance to support project delivery and reporting.
Experience in the Rail or associated industries
Strong understanding with industry regulations, standards, or financial compliance requirements.

Additional Information

What we offer you:

Full time, permanent
Competitive remuneration and attractive range of benefits
8% Pension
25 days Annual leave (23 days + 2 company days)
Opportunity to work on impactful and innovative projects
Career development opportunities both in Ireland and globally
Opportunity to work with a diverse group of talented and collaborative colleagues

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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SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

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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.