Lead Cost Manager, Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend, a global professional services firm, seeks an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management for a major hyperscale data center project in Chicago, IL. Travel to Minooka, IL is required.

You will interface with clients, provide leadership, and drive value through cost control and governance. The role requires strong communication, independence, and the ability to manage cost estimation, planning, and negotiations across design and construction

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering or field related to construction.
• RICS accreditation or working towards it is advantageous.
• Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in cost management in construction.
• Construction consultancy experience is desirable.
• Prior data center / mission-critical / large-scale infra project experience is preferred.
• Experience leading cost management on medium to large projects with medium to high complexity.
• Knowledge of procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and negotiate change orders across the construction lifecycle.
• Provide cost planning and present final cost plans.
• Review with design services team and general contractor to develop cost estimates.
• Reconcile changes and ensure contractor data accuracy.
• Communicate with general contractor and project owner to gather status for cost updates.
• Prepare comments on contractor submissions, including executive summary.
• Coordinate all cost information sources for cost discussions.
• Drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
• Work with minimal supervision to resolve scheduling issues.
• Manage cost checks and valuations on large projects; ensure timely processes.
• Participate in post-contract cost variances and change-control processes.
• Manage cost impact/contingency tracking logs.
• Prepare funding data and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
• Develop cost plans through design phase and provide updates at milestones.
• Support design optioneering and value engineering input.
• Review contractor/subcontractor pricing and negotiate for fair prices.
• Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and change management.
• Ensure robust cost validation processes and final accounts negotiation.
• Compile built cost estimate records for benchmarking.
• Identify, coach and mentor talent.
• Exhibit leadership and service delivery aligned with appointment terms.

Skills

Leadership

Cost management experience

Client-facing communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering or field related to construction

RICS accredited or working towards it

Job description

Turner & Townsend, a global professional services firm, seeks an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management for a major hyperscale data center project in Chicago, IL. Travel to Minooka, IL is required.

You will interface with clients, provide leadership, and drive value through cost control and governance. The role requires strong communication, independence, and the ability to manage cost estimation, planning, and negotiations across design and construction