Associate Director – Cost Manager​/Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

Company Description

From the inception of a project through to completion and beyond, Turner & Townsend help to deliver the outcomes that matter through transformational projects covering the full spectrum of consultancy, project delivery and post-project operations.

With offices located globally, you’re never far away from our services. With over 22,000 specialists in more than 60 countries, we blend local knowledge with global insight to tackle challenges of any scale.

Our team is dynamic, innovative and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity and the quality we deliver. As a result, our people get to enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world.

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Associate Director (
Cost Management /
Quantity Surveying
) to lead cost management services for a large, complex data center program. In this client-facing leadership role, you will set strategy, ensure governance, and drive delivery from feasibility through final accounts. The ideal candidate combines commercial expertise with strong leadership skills to manage teams, mitigate risk, and deliver best practice in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

As Associate Director, you will oversee estimating, cost planning, procurement, change control, value engineering, risk management, and executive reporting. You will embed Turner & Townsend methodologies, ensure compliance, and lead team development while managing financial performance and supporting account growth.

• Lead client accounts and programs as the first point of contact for all commercial matters; set strategy, priorities, and standards for delivery.
• Direct the full cost lifecycle (feasibility → final accounts): robust estimates, cost plans/budgets, baselines, updates at design milestones, and timely closeout.
• Own procurement/commercial strategy: review contractor/subcontractor pricing, lead negotiations, advise on contracting routes, and align with schedule/scope.
• Govern change control: validate and negotiate change orders, maintain audit‑ready documentation, and manage post‑contract variances.
• Drive value engineering and optioneering to deliver cost, schedule, and TCO benefits without compromising functionality.
• Strengthen cost controls: track commitments, contingency, and EACs; deliver monthly valuations, KPIs, benchmarks, and executive‑ready reports/presentations.
• Lead risk analysis and scenario planning (market conditions, labor, materials) and implement mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate across stakeholders (design incl. MEP/BIM, GC, vendors, PMO) to integrate cost with schedule and scope and inform engineering priorities.
• Assure governance and compliance: apply financial systems and SOX controls; implement Turner & Townsend Business Management Systems (BMS); lead/represent on internal and external audits.
• Negotiate final accounts and maintain benchmarking databases to improve predictability and performance.
• People leadership: set team ambition, manage resourcing, conduct performance reviews, coach/mentor talent, and elevate processes and templates.
• Commercial leadership: manage commission P&L (margins, fees, resource forecasts); provide weekly status updates; present to senior leadership.
• Market & growth: act as a brand ambassador; cultivate client relationships; identify cross‑sell opportunities; lead/assist in proposals and RFP responses; participate in industry networking.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.
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Qualifications
• A minimum of 8 years in construction cost management/quantity surveying; consultancy experience strongly preferred.
• Proven delivery on large‑scale, complex programs; data center/mission‑critical experience preferred.
• Subject‑matter expertise in estimating, cost planning, procurement & commercial negotiation, change control, and post‑contract cost management.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, quantity surveying, engineering, or related field; graduate degree preferred.
• RICS chartered (or equivalent) preferred;…