Senior Cost Manager - Data Center Construction Leader

Turner & Townsend; Wilkes-Barre (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management on a major data center project in Pennsylvania. You will act as a primary client interface, driving cost plans, evaluating changes, and coordinating with design teams and contractors to deliver value.

The ideal candidate has 5–7+ years in cost management, a relevant bachelor’s degree, and preferably RICS accreditation, with strong leadership, communication, and reporting skills to produce accurate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or related construction field.
• 5–7+ years of cost management experience within the construction industry.
• RICS accreditation (or working toward accreditation) preferred.
• Experience leading cost management on medium to large, complex construction projects.
• Strong construction consultancy experience highly preferred.
• Solid understanding of construction procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Provide estimating and cost planning, including producing and presenting final cost plans.
• Review and collaborate with design teams and general contractors in developing cost estimates.
• Reconcile cost changes and support general contractor data accuracy.
• Gather project status updates to prepare cost estimate revisions.
• Prepare written commentary on contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
• Coordinate all sources of cost data, including suppliers, subcontractors, and design teams.
• Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve scheduling‑related issues.
• Manage cost checks and valuations on large projects, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Participate in post‑contract cost variance analysis and change control processes.
• Maintain cost impact logs, contingency management, and commitment tracking.
• Prepare funding presentations and coordinate value‑engineering sessions.
• Develop cost plans and estimates at design milestones.
• Provide commercial input for design optioneering and value engineering exercises.
• Review contractor/subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations to achieve fair contract values.
• Perform quantity surveying, cost control, and change management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure robust cost auditing, valuation, and cost validation processes.
• Produce monthly cost reports for client presentation.
• Ensure timely negotiation and agreement of final accounts.
• Compile built‑cost records for benchmarking purposes.
• Identify, coach, and mentor team members.
• Demonstrate excellence in leadership and service delivery in line with commission requirements.
• Manage financial performance using internal tools for margin tracking and forecasting.
• Implement internal business management systems and delivery methodologies for consistent best‑practice execution.
• Promote a one‑business culture focused on balanced outcomes for people, clients, and stakeholders.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, if applicable.

Skills

Cost management

Quantity surveying

Leadership

Client communication

Negotiation

Change management

Education

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

Job description

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management on a major data center project in Pennsylvania. You will act as a primary client interface, driving cost plans, evaluating changes, and coordinating with design teams and contractors to deliver value.

The ideal candidate has 5–7+ years in cost management, a relevant bachelor’s degree, and preferably RICS accreditation, with strong leadership, communication, and reporting skills to produce accurate