Senior Cost Manager for Mission-Critical Data Centers

Emploive; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management on large-scale data center construction projects. You will act as the key day-to-day client interface, delivering high-quality, value-added cost services across the project lifecycle.

The role requires extensive experience in cost planning, estimating, change management, and commercial negotiations, with strong communication skills to operate confidently in a client-facing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years in cost management within the construction industry.
• Experience leading cost management on medium to large sized construction projects of medium to high complexity.
• RICS accreditation preferred.
• Strong understanding of cost planning, cost control, change management, and commercial reporting processes.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Estimating and negotiating change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Provide estimate and cost planning to include producing and presenting the final cost plan.
• Review and participate with the design services team and general contractor in the development of cost estimates.
• Reconcile changes and assist the general contractor to ensure that their data is accurate.
• Coordinate all sources of cost information for cost discussions and suppliers direct from NPA, subs, quantities from A/Es.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
• Manage cost checks and carry out valuations on larger projects.
• Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
• Developing cost plans and estimates through the design phase, delivering updated cost plans at appropriate design milestones.
• Providing commercial input to design optioneering and input into value engineering exercises.
• Reviewing contractor and subcontractor pricing and leading negotiations on behalf of the client to drive fair contract prices.
• Performing quantity surveying, cost controls, and change management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensuring that post-contract cost variances and change control processes are managed effectively.
• Ensuring that cost auditing and valuation work is managed effectively and that a robust process for cost validation is in place.
• Carrying out the production of monthly cost reports for presentation to the client.
• Ensuring that final accounts are negotiated and agreed upon in a timely manner.
• Compiling built cost estimate records for benchmarking purposes.
• Identify, coach and mentor talent to realize their potential and celebrate the success of others.
• Display excellence in leadership and service delivery on commissions is in line with the conditions of appointment
• Financial Management - Utilize internal software to track ongoing margin levels and monthly fee/resource forecasts for each commission and financial reports
• Implement and maintain the use of internal Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies and tools in the office to ensure consistent delivery of best practice for Clients and the company
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.
• Be a role model that drives a one business culture that achieves great outcomes by striking the right balance for our people, clients, stakeholders, and society.

Skills

Cost management

Quantity surveying

Client interface

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

Job description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management on large-scale data center construction projects. You will act as the key day-to-day client interface, delivering high-quality, value-added cost services across the project lifecycle.

The role requires extensive experience in cost planning, estimating, change management, and commercial negotiations, with strong communication skills to operate confidently in a client-facing environment.