Lead Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Flexible working environment

Job summary

A global professional services company is seeking a Lead Cost Manager in Seattle to oversee cost management for a critical data center project. This role requires leadership, advanced expertise in cost planning, and the ability to drive teams towards strategic goals. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining on-site and remote flexibility. Essential qualifications include a relevant degree and substantial experience in cost management. The salary range is $160K–$185K per year, reflecting the candidate's skills and experience.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of progressive experience in cost management or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of procurement strategies and commercial management.
• Experience managing large-scale, mission-critical projects is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and present detailed cost plans and budgets.
• Prepare monthly cost reports, forecasts, and executive presentations.

Skills

Cost planning

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Change management

Leadership

Negotiation

Education

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

Tools

Industry-standard cost management tools

Job description

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This range is provided by Turner & Townsend. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$160,000.00/yr - $185,000.00/yr

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. 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.

Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Lead Cost Manager to oversee cost management for a large‑scale, mission‑critical data center construction program. This leadership role requires advanced technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to guide teams and influence stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment. We are open to considering strong Senior Cost Managers or Associate Director‑level professionals for this position.

As a Lead Cost Manager, you will take ownership of cost management across the full project lifecycle, ensuring delivery within budget while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. You will lead client‑facing engagements, mentor team members, and drive best practices in cost planning and control.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, with three days per week in our Seattle office and remote flexibility for the remaining days. Responsibilities

• Lead cost management activities throughout the project lifecycle, including early‑stage budgeting, estimating, cost control, and change management through to final account closeout.
• Develop and present detailed cost plans, budgets, and estimates aligned with project scope and objectives.
• Prepare and deliver accurate monthly cost reports, forecasts, and executive‑level presentations.
• Maintain benchmarking data, historical cost records, and lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Review design development and contractor pricing, providing commercial input and leading negotiations to ensure fair and competitive contract pricing.
• Provide strategic advice on procurement strategies, bid analysis, and contract administration.
• Oversee contingency tracking, commitment logs, and cost impact reporting across multiple packages or phases.
• Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Coordinate with project controls and scheduling teams to align cost forecasts with progress updates.
• Mentor and coach junior team members, fostering professional development and best practices.
• Contribute to the enhancement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial systems, client‑specific requirements, and regulatory controls.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal teams.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8–12+ years of progressive experience in cost management or a related discipline, including leadership responsibilities.
• Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and change management.
• Strong knowledge of procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
• Proficiency in industry‑standard cost management tools and software.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Experience managing large‑scale, mission‑critical projects (data centers, high‑tech, industrial) is advantageous but not required.
• Experience with MEP systems is desirable.
• RICS accreditation or progress toward it is advantageous.
• Consultancy experience is desirable.

Additional Information

The salary range for this full‑time role is $160K–$185k per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications.

[On‑site presence and requirements may change depending on our client’s needs.]

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work‑life balance.

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.

It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time.

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e‑mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.