Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 274,550 - 355,300; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor in Atlanta. This role involves leading cost management for large-scale data center projects, overseeing budgets, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure effective project execution. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, substantial experience in cost management, and expertise in financial reporting and negotiation. The role requires strong leadership and analytical skills in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years of experience in cost management or project controls.
• Proven experience managing large-scale, mission-critical construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of procurement strategies and commercial management.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle cost management on data center construction projects.
• Develop detailed cost plans, estimates, and budgets.
• Oversee cost control processes and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Cost planning

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Negotiation skills

Analytical abilities

Leadership

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

RICS accreditation (or working toward it)

Tools

Industry-standard cost management tools

Job description

Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

Atlanta, GA  $274,550.00–$355,300.00  1 day ago

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management for large‑scale, mission‑critical data center construction projects in the Atlanta metro area.

Responsibilities:

• Lead full lifecycle cost management on large‑scale hyperscale data center construction projects.
• Develop and present detailed cost plans, estimates and budgets aligned with project scope and client objectives.
• Oversee cost control processes, monitor actuals vs forecasts, identify variances and implement corrective actions.
• Review and negotiate change orders, ensuring proper documentation and cost validation.
• Provide strategic advice on procurement strategies, bid analysis and contractor negotiations.
• Prepare and deliver executive‑level cost reports, forecasts and presentations to clients and senior stakeholders.
• Manage contingency tracking, commitments and cost impacts across multiple packages or phases.
• Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Maintain benchmarking data, historical cost records and lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the enhancement of internal cost management tools, templates and processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, vendors and internal teams.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, architects, engineers and general contractors to ensure cost control and efficient project execution.
• Participate in risk workshops and proactively identify financial risks, developing mitigation strategies.
• Support preconstruction activities, feasibility studies and early‑stage cost modeling for future phases.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial systems, client‑specific requirements and regulatory controls.
• 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 related field.
• 6–10+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with increasing responsibility.
• Proven experience managing large‑scale, mission‑critical construction projects (e.g., data centers, high‑tech, industrial).
• Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting and cost control systems.
• Strong knowledge of procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
• RICS accreditation or working toward it is advantageous.
• Excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in industry‑standard tools and software for cost management.
• Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial.
• Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, change management processes and risk allocation.
• Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques.

Additional Information:

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.

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

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.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Project Management, Consulting, and Engineering

Industries: Construction, Civil Engineering, and Business Consulting and Services