Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor to support delivery of a large-scale, mission-critical data center construction program. The role serves as a key client interface, ensuring client objectives are achieved through best-in-class cost management services across complex, fast-paced projects.

You will develop estimates, manage cost plans, review submissions, and deliver cost reports for client stakeholders, mentoring junior staff and ensuring

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of cost management, QS, estimating, or commercial management in construction.
• Consulting experience with a professional services or construction consultancy is strongly preferred.
• Experience developing estimates, cost plans, change management processes, and monthly cost reporting for complex projects.
• Strong understanding of procurement strategies, value engineering, and cost controls.
• Experience reviewing contractor pricing, negotiating terms, and managing project financial performance.
• MRICS accreditation (MRICS) or working toward chartership is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain project budgets and cost plans throughout all phases of data center design and construction.
• Prepare detailed estimating, cost planning, and benchmarking analyses from concept through completion.
• Review, analyze, and reconcile contractor, subcontractor, and consultant cost submissions.
• Lead change order management, including evaluation, negotiation, and recommendation of change requests.
• Produce and present cost reports, cash flow forecasts, cost risk assessments, and executive summaries for client stakeholders.
• Partner with design teams, contractors, and project leadership to identify cost-saving opportunities and support value engineering initiatives.
• Monitor project commitments, contingency drawdown, cost impacts, and change management logs.
• Conduct quantity surveying, valuations, and cost validation exercises to ensure financial controls are maintained.
• Support procurement activities, bid evaluations, and commercial negotiations on behalf of the client.
• Develop cost estimates and cost plans at key design milestones, ensuring alignment with project goals and market conditions.
• Verify contractor applications for payment and support final account negotiations.
• Track and analyze construction market trends, labor conditions, and material pricing impacting data center projects.
• Compile historical cost data and benchmarking information to improve estimating accuracy across future programs.
• Mentor and support junior team members while promoting a culture of collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Turner & Townsend's project controls methodologies, governance standards, and business management systems.
• Support the successful delivery of large-scale mission-critical facilities, including data centers, digital infrastructure, and advanced technology projects.
• Handle SOX control responsibilities where applicable.

Skills

Cost management

Quantity surveying

Estimating

Cost planning

Change management

Cost reporting

Value engineering

Procurement

Negotiation

SOX controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying / Construction Management / Engineering / Cost Management

Job description

Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to support delivery of a large‑scale, mission‑critical data center construction program. The role serves as a key client interface, ensuring client objectives are achieved through best‑in‑class cost management services across complex, fast‑paced projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain project budgets and cost plans throughout all phases of data center design and construction.
• Prepare detailed estimating, cost planning, and benchmarking analyses from concept through completion.
• Review, analyze, and reconcile contractor, subcontractor, and consultant cost submissions.
• Lead change order management, including evaluation, negotiation, and recommendation of change requests.
• Produce and present cost reports, cash flow forecasts, cost risk assessments, and executive summaries for client stakeholders.
• Partner with design teams, contractors, and project leadership to identify cost‑saving opportunities and support value engineering initiatives.
• Monitor project commitments, contingency drawdown, cost impacts, and change management logs.
• Conduct quantity surveying, valuations, and cost validation exercises to ensure financial controls are maintained.
• Support procurement activities, bid evaluations, and commercial negotiations on behalf of the client.
• Develop cost estimates and cost plans at key design milestones, ensuring alignment with project goals and market conditions.
• Verify contractor applications for payment and support final account negotiations.
• Track and analyze construction market trends, labor conditions, and material pricing impacting data center projects.
• Compile historical cost data and benchmarking information to improve estimating accuracy across future programs.
• Mentor and support junior team members while promoting a culture of collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Turner & Townsend's project controls methodologies, governance standards, and business management systems.
• Support the successful delivery of large‑scale mission‑critical facilities, including data centers, digital infrastructure, and advanced technology projects.
• Handle SOX control responsibilities where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Cost Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, estimating, or commercial management within the construction industry.
• Consulting experience with a professional services or construction consultancy firm is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing estimates, cost plans, change management processes, and monthly cost reporting for complex projects.
• Strong understanding of construction delivery methods, procurement strategies, value engineering, and cost controls.
• Experience reviewing contractor pricing, negotiating commercial terms, and managing project financial performance.
• Knowledge of MEP systems and infrastructure packages commonly found within mission‑critical facilities is highly desirable.
• RICS accreditation (MRICS) or working toward chartership is preferred.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with senior stakeholders and project teams.

On‑site presence and requirements may change depending on client needs.

Turner & Townsend is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All personal information will be handled confidentially in accordance with EEO guidelines.