Cost Center Leader

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.

Job Description

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven  Cost Center Leader  to oversee our Tampa, FL business unit. This individual will be responsible for driving growth, identifying new market opportunities, and ensuring operational excellence across key sectors. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading profitable business units, conducting market analysis, and either possessing deep knowledge of the Tampa market or demonstrating the ability to quickly gain local market intelligence.

The candidate should have extensive experience in P&L management, including budgeting, profitability, and financial performance. They must also bring a strong background in business development, client strategy, and relationship management, with the ability to develop and execute strategic growth plans. Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams is essential, along with the ability to mentor and inspire high performance. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who can independently lead workstreams while supporting executive leadership on major client engagements. They should be an agile, emotionally intelligent leader with a credible technical background in the construction and real estate industry, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

The Cost Center Leader is accountable for the overall performance, strategic direction, and growth of the Tampa office. This includes full responsibility for operational leadership, financial outcomes, team development, and business development. Responsibilities include:

• Leading the Tampa office with full accountability for operational performance, P&L management, revenue growth, and profitability. This includes budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cost control to ensure sustainable growth.
• Developing and executing strategic plans to expand market share across key sectors such as commercial real estate, public sector, hospitality, and industrial manufacturing.
• Conducting market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive positioning in the Tampa region.
• Driving business development by identifying new opportunities, expanding client relationships, and leading the development of compelling, competitive proposals.
• Representing the office at national leadership forums, industry events, and client meetings to enhance brand visibility and contribute to cross-regional collaboration and strategic planning.
• Managing and mentoring a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance evaluation, and professional development. Fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborating with senior leadership to align local business goals with national and global strategies.
• Overseeing resource planning, operational efficiency, and the implementation of systems for effective data collection, benchmarking, and reporting.
• Ensuring all services are delivered to the highest standards, aligned with project scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations, while maintaining compliance with internal quality standards, risk protocols, and external regulations.
• Leading and motivating project teams by clearly communicating objectives, managing risks, and ensuring accountability to meet project goals.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and industry partners, delivering tailored solutions that meet evolving client needs.
• Championing innovation, digital transformation, and process improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.
• Preparing and delivering progress reports, proposals, and presentations to various audiences.
• Supporting or acting as commission lead on major programs, including managing client relations and commercial contractual arrangements.
• Performing other duties as required to support the success of the cost center and broader business objectives.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• A college degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field required, and graduate degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 12 years of experience in construction management, cost management, or related fields, with at least 3 years in a leadership role overseeing a business unit or cost center.
• Demonstrated success in managing P&L, driving business growth, and aligning departmental budgets with strategic priorities.
• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, with experience in market research and commercial decision-making.
• Understanding of the Tampa market or the ability to quickly develop local market expertise; experience working in Florida is preferred.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a track record of managing demanding stakeholders and workstreams.
• Business development experience, including identifying opportunities with new and existing clients and leading competitive proposal efforts.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to contextualize business decisions within broader market trends.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances with innovative solutions.
• Experience advising at a strategic level across all project stages, including the development and implementation of large programs.
• Familiarity with construction best practices, general building codes, estimation, scheduling, and various building systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, MS Project, and project management software; ability to interpret construction documents and develop contracts and RFPs.
• Membership in relevant professional organizations is preferred.

Additional Information

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

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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All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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