Senior Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

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.

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Cost Manager to support cost governance and commercial management for a large‑scale, multi‑phase data center development program. This position is based onsite approximately one hour east of Columbus, Ohio, in Conesville. Per diem is available for candidates commuting from Franklin County (or the Columbus area), with mileage reimbursement provided. Candidates must be onsite at least 3 days per week.

This role will focus on cost planning, budgeting, procurement support, and risk management across multiple packages and phases, ensuring compliance with program objectives. You will deliver accurate reporting, assist with procurement and contracting strategies, and contribute to value engineering initiatives to optimise design and reduce costs.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in cost management for complex construction programmes, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders. You will work closely with leadership teams, support junior staff development, and help drive best practices throughout the project lifecycle.

• Act as the day‑to‑day client interface, maintaining clear communication and building strong relationships with clients, contractors, and vendors.
• Manage cost planning and budgeting for multi‑phase data centre projects, ensuring alignment with governance and compliance standards.
• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates throughout the design phase, updating at key milestones.
• Prepare and present final cost plans, monthly cost reports, forecasts, and funding data presentations.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing, lead negotiations, and ensure fair contract pricing.
• Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Manage cost checks, valuations, and change control processes, including contingency tracking and commitment logs.
• Reconcile changes and validate contractor data for accuracy.
• Coordinate all sources of cost information for cost discussions, including suppliers, subcontractors, and design teams.
• Provide commercial input to design optioneering and lead value engineering sessions to identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and risk management across multiple packages and phases.
• Ensure robust cost auditing and validation processes are in place.
• Support procurement strategy development and contract administration.
• Participate in preconstruction activities, feasibility studies, and early‑stage cost modelling for future phases.
• Compile built cost estimate records for benchmarking purposes.
• Mentor and coach junior team members, promoting capability growth and succession planning.
• Support continuous improvement by contributing to internal tools, templates, and process enhancements.
• Utilise internal systems for margin tracking, fee/resource forecasting, and compliance with Business Management Systems (BMS).
• Implement and maintain company delivery methodologies and tools for consistent best practice.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction…