Lead Cost Manager, Data Center Construction

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend seeks a Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to support a major hyperscale data center program. Based in the Chicago, IL area, with monthly travel to the St.

Louis, MO project site, you will drive cost planning, procurement strategy, change control and commercial governance across multiple workstreams. The ideal candidate has 6–7 years in cost management on large projects, data center experience, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, QS, engineering or related field (advanced degree a plus).
• 6–7 years of cost management / project controls on medium to large complex projects.
• Data center or mission-critical/industrial project experience preferred.
• RICS accreditation (or working toward it) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day client interface; ensure objectives are met through cost management across multi‑phase data center development.
• Develop cost plans and estimates through design milestones; present updates to stakeholders.
• Support procurement strategy, contract administration, and price negotiations; validate quantities and scope.
• Produce monthly cost reports, forecasts, cash flows and variance analyses; manage change orders end‑to‑end.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to tools, templates and best practices.

Skills

Client-facing communication

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management/Quantity Surveying/Engineering

Tools

Cost estimating tools

Cost management systems

SOX controls knowledge

Job description

Turner & Townsend seeks a Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to support a major hyperscale data center program. Based in the Chicago, IL area, with monthly travel to the St.

Louis, MO project site, you will drive cost planning, procurement strategy, change control and commercial governance across multiple workstreams. The ideal candidate has 6–7 years in cost management on large projects, data center experience, and strong communication skills.