Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global professional services firm in Wisconsin seeks an experienced Associate Director to lead cost management for a major data center project. This hybrid role involves overseeing project lifecycle, managing teams, and driving client relationships. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of relevant experience and a strong background in large-scale construction projects. Join us to make a significant impact in a pivotal sector.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in cost management or project controls with significant leadership responsibilities.
• Proven track record managing large-scale, mission-critical construction projects.
• RICS accreditation or equivalent professional qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee cost management activities on large-scale projects.
• Manage and mentor senior cost managers and project teams.
• Advise clients on cost risks and procurement strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Cost management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Industry-standard cost management tools

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

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.

Associate Director

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Associate Director to lead and oversee cost management on a major data centre campus project in Wisconsin. This development includes multiple large‑scale facilities designed to support advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, making it one of the most significant construction efforts in the region.

Role Overview

As an Associate Director, you will provide strategic leadership across all cost management activities, ensure delivery excellence, and drive client relationships at the highest level. You will lead teams, influence project outcomes, and contribute to business growth while maintaining compliance and quality standards. This is a hybrid role with regular on‑site visits required approximately 25 miles east of Milwaukee.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the full lifecycle of cost management activities on large‑scale, mission‑critical projects, from early‑stage budgeting through final account closeout.
• Provide strategic direction on cost planning, estimating, procurement, and commercial management to align with client objectives.
• Manage and mentor senior cost managers and project teams, fostering professional development and high performance.
• Advise clients at executive level on cost risks, procurement strategies, and commercial negotiations.
• Prepare and present executive‑level reports and forecasts to senior stakeholders, ensuring clarity and actionable insights.
• Drive value engineering and design optimisation initiatives to identify cost‑saving opportunities and improve efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial systems, client‑specific requirements, and regulatory controls.
• Maintain and enhance benchmarking data and cost management tools for continuous improvement.
• Lead business development efforts, identify opportunities with existing and new clients, and support proposal development.
• Represent Turner & Townsend in client meetings and industry forums, promoting best practices and thought leadership.
• Monitor market trends and provide insights on material pricing, labour rates, and supply chain risks.
• Implement robust change management processes to control scope and mitigate cost overruns.
• Support contract administration and dispute resolution to safeguard client interests.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and training programmes to strengthen organisational capability.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with significant leadership responsibilities.
• Proven track record managing large‑scale, mission‑critical construction projects (e.g., data centres, high‑tech, industrial).
• Familiarity with MEP systems is beneficial.
• Strong consultancy background with experience in client‑facing leadership roles.
• Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems.
• Advanced knowledge of procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
• RICS accreditation or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in industry‑standard tools and software for cost management.

Additional Information

• On‑site presence and requirements may change depending on our clients’ needs.

Equal Opportunity & Privacy

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.