Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consultancy is seeking a Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor for data center construction projects. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in cost management with at least 5-7 years of experience, including project leadership and negotiations. Responsibilities include overseeing change orders, preparing cost plans, and providing leadership. The position is full-time and located in Arlington, Virginia, with an emphasis on effective communication and client management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in cost management within construction.
• RICS accreditation preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction industry technical matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management for data center construction projects.
• Estimate and negotiate change orders.
• Prepare cost plans and valuations.

Skills

Cost management

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Quantity surveying

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field

Job description

Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Full-time

Turner & Townsend are looking for an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to act as the key day-to-day client interface, ensuring that client objectives are met through the delivery of a value-added cost management service. To be successful in this role you must have great communication skills and be comfortable operating in a client-facing role. The ideal candidate will be self‑motivated, driven, and able to work independently as well as part of a team. In this significant position you will be responsible for providing leadership and direction, embedding, and promoting the purpose, values, and vision of Turner & Townsend.

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.
• Communicate or meet with the general contractor and owner of project manager to gather status information to prepare a cost estimate update.
• Prepare written comments to the general contractor’s submissions, including the executive summary.
• 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.
• Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve scheduling issues.
• Manage cost checks and carry out valuations on larger projects. Complete timely, accurate cost checking and valuation processes.
• Participate effectively with post‑contract cost variances and the change of control processes.
• Manage cost impact / contingency management and commitment tracking logs.
• 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 optimisation 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 in line with the conditions of appointment.
• Financial Management – Utilize internal software to track ongoing margin levels and monthly fee/resource forecasts per 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.
• 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.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering or a field related to construction.
• Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience working in a cost management role in the construction industry.
• RICS accredited or working towards it is preferred.
• Experience of leading cost management on medium or large sized construction projects of medium to high complexity.
• Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
• Good knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
• *On‑site presence and requirements may change depending on our client’s needs.

Equal Opportunity & EEO

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.