Senior Cost Manager​/Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to serve as the key, day‑to‑day client interface and deliver a value‑added cost management service on a large‑scale, mission‑critical data center program. The role is pivotal in ensuring the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards, with strong emphasis on governance, commercial rigor, and stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in a client‑facing environment, communicates clearly, and can work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. In this significant position you will provide leadership and direction while embedding and promoting the purpose, values, and vision of Turner & Townsend.

This is a hybrid role with regular on‑site visits required approximately 35 miles west of North Chicago.

• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates through design and delivery phases, leveraging industry benchmarks and technical documentation.
• Produce and present monthly cost reports, executive summaries, and funding data to stakeholders.
• Coordinate all sources of cost information (design teams, GC, subs, vendor quotes) for robust cost validation and auditing.
• Compile built cost records for benchmarking and continuous improvement.
• Lead procurement strategy development, contractor/subcontractor pricing reviews, scope validation, and commercial negotiations to drive fair contract prices.
• Manage final accounts and ensure timely agreement.
• Own change control throughout the lifecycle: review, estimate, negotiate, and reconcile change orders; manage post‑contract cost variances.
• Support cost risk analysis, scenario planning, contingency management, and commitment tracking.
• Ensure robust cost control systems, including Earned Value Management (EVM) where applicable.
• Integrate cost with schedule and scope, coordinating closely with project controls/scheduling teams.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact; lead value engineering (VE) initiatives and cost optimization strategies.
• Monitor market trends (escalation, labor availability, material pricing) and provide timely insights.
• Act as the primary client interface, ensuring objectives are met and service excellence is delivered.
• Prepare and present executive‑level updates, written comments on GC submissions, and cost estimate updates.
• Ensure adherence to internal Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies.
• Mentor and coach junior team members; foster a high‑performance, one‑business culture.
• Demonstrate excellence in financial management (margin tracking, monthly fee/resource forecasts) across commissions.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5–7+ years in cost management/project controls within mission‑critical environments (data centers, high‑tech, industrial) and medium to large projects of moderate to high complexity.
• Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of MEP systems, resilience requirements, and campus‑scale infrastructure common to hyperscale data centers.
• Strong foundation in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, and EVM.
• Expertise in procurement strategies and the commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
• RICS accreditation or progress toward certification is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with high attention to detail.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard cost management tools and software.

Salary range for this full‑time role is $130,000–$150,000 per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications.

* On‑site presence and requirements may change depending on our client’s needs*

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.

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

It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time.