Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

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

Job summary

A global professional services firm is seeking a Lead Cost Manager for a significant data center construction program. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in cost planning, budgeting, and financial reporting, with experience leading teams in fast-paced environments. Responsibilities include overseeing cost management activities, preparing reports, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring compliance with internal requirements. The role offers a competitive salary range of $160K-$185K per year, reflecting the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of experience in cost management or a related discipline.
• Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of procurement strategies and contract management.
• Experience managing large-scale projects, preferably in data centers.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and deliver monthly cost reports and forecasts.
• Provide strategic advice on procurement strategies and contract administration.
• Mentor and coach junior team members.

Skills

Cost planning

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Change management

Leadership skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering

Tools

Industry-standard cost management tools

Job description

Overview

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.

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.

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. Please note 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.

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.

Please find out more about us at the following URLs: www.turnerandtownsend.com/ and https://www.heery.com/

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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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 the property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees.