Data Center Cost Lead & Estimator (Senior)

Turnertownsend; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend seeks an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Estimator to lead data center cost management across the full project lifecycle, working with our Data Center estimating team to guide decision-making from feasibility through delivery.

You will run cost planning, estimates, change control, and client-facing negotiations, mentoring colleagues and ensuring robust cost strategies in fast-paced environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, estimating, or commercial management.
• Experience supporting mission-critical, data center, advanced technology, industrial, infrastructure, or other highly technical construction projects is required.
• Demonstrated experience managing project costs from planning and procurement through construction and closeout.
• Experience reviewing estimates, contractor pricing, change orders, and commercial negotiations.
• Knowledge of procurement strategies, value engineering, cost control, and risk management principles.
• RICS accreditation or progress toward chartership preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project budgets, cost plans, forecasts, and benchmark analyses throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and present cost reports, commercial updates, and financial analyses to project stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Lead cost planning, estimating reviews, and budget validation activities from project initiation through completion.
• Support procurement activities, including bid package development, contractor selection, proposal evaluation, leveling, and commercial recommendations.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing, proposals, and change order requests.
• Manage commercial change control processes, evaluating impacts to cost, schedule, scope, and project risk.
• Monitor project expenditures, commitments, contingency utilization, and forecasted final costs.
• Perform cost checks, valuations, benchmarking exercises, and budget reconciliations.
• Collaborate with project teams to identify value engineering and cost optimization opportunities.
• Maintain oversight of project cash flow forecasting and financial reporting.
• Support commercial risk management efforts, including contingency planning, cost risk assessments, and contract compliance reviews.
• Assist in the resolution of commercial issues, claims, and disputes while minimizing project risk exposure.
• Review project controls documentation and ensure alignment between scope, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Produce monthly cost reports and participate in client and project team meetings.
• Manage project financial closeout activities, including final account negotiations and vendor settlements.
• Maintain cost databases and benchmarking information to support future project planning and delivery.
• Mentor junior cost management professionals and contribute to team development.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of best practices across project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, delivery methodologies, and governance requirements.
• Be a role model that drives a one-business culture and delivers successful outcomes for clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Education

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

Job description

Turner & Townsend seeks an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Estimator to lead data center cost management across the full project lifecycle, working with our Data Center estimating team to guide decision-making from feasibility through delivery.

You will run cost planning, estimates, change control, and client-facing negotiations, mentoring colleagues and ensuring robust cost strategies in fast-paced environments.