Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turnertownsend; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is recruiting a Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to act as the key client interface, delivering cost management across a major data centre portfolio in Northern Virginia. The role is client-facing from our Tysons, VA office, supporting projects across counties in the region.

You will lead cost control, prepare cost plans, review contractor data, and drive cost-related decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in construction-related field.
• 6-7+ years in cost management, quantity surveying, or commercial management on large-scale projects.
• Experience with mission-critical/data centre projects preferred.
• Strong cost control, change management, and contract administration experience.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills; able to lead meetings and influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and negotiate change orders across the construction lifecycle.
• Prepare and present final cost plans and cost reporting.
• Review estimates with design teams and GC contractors; validate data accuracy.
• Coordinate with contractors and stakeholders on cost updates and reports.
• Lead VE sessions and contribute to design optioneering.
• Oversee cost checks, valuations, and post-contract cost variances.
• Produce monthly cost reports and support closeout negotiations.
• Maintain cost benchmarks and historical data; mentor junior staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Client-facing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to act as the key day-to-day client interface, delivering value-added cost management services across a major data centre portfolio in Northern Virginia.

The role is client-facing and based out of our Tysons, VA office, supporting projects across the region's primary data centre corridors, including Loudoun County, Prince William County, Stafford County, and Fairfax County.

To be successful, you must be a strong communicator, self-motivated, and comfortable leading cost management activities across multiple large-scale construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Estimating and negotiating change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Provide cost planning, including producing and presenting final cost plans.
• Review and collaborate with design teams and general contractors on cost estimates.
• Reconcile changes and validate contractor data for accuracy.
• Coordinate with contractors and project stakeholders to prepare cost estimate updates.
• Prepare written reports and executive summaries on contractor submissions.
• Consolidate cost data from suppliers, subcontractors, and design teams.
• Inform engineering and design decisions based on cost impact.
• Manage cost checks, valuations, and reporting across large-scale projects.
• Oversee cost control, contingency management, and commitment tracking.
• Lead value engineering (VE) sessions and contribute to design optioneering.
• Review contractor pricing and lead negotiations to achieve fair value.
• Manage post-contract cost variances and change control processes.
• Produce monthly cost reports and ensure timely financial reporting.
• Support final account negotiations and closeout processes.
• Maintain cost benchmarks and historical data for future projects.
• Mentor junior team members and promote a high-performance team environment.
• Ensure consistent application of internal systems, tools, and delivery methodologies.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6-7 years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, or commercial management within large-scale construction.
• Experience supporting mission-critical or data centre projects strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing costs across complex, multi-phase construction programs.
• Strong knowledge of cost control, change management, and contract administration.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.
• Ability to lead meetings, influence stakeholders, and drive commercial outcomes.
• Proficiency in cost management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional certifications (MRICS, PMP, CCP, or similar) are a plus.

Notes

• *On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

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.

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/ and www.heery.com/ All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.