Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend Plc.; Martinsburg (WV); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend Plc. is seeking a Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor for a large‑scale data center project in West Virginia. This full-time role involves leading cost management, estimating, and commercial oversight throughout the project's lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years of cost management experience in the construction industry, with a preference for expertise in data centers. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for engaging with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of relevant cost management experience.
• Experience on medium to large, high-complexity projects.
• Construction consultancy background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost planning, estimating, and management for data center projects.
• Manage change control and cost variances throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Prepare written commercial reports for stakeholders.

Skills

Cost management

Construction industry expertise

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company, serving clients in real estate, infrastructure, energy, and natural resources.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management for a large‑scale hyperscale data center development in Berkeley County, West Virginia. The role is full‑time, based in West Virginia, with occasional travel to Manassas, VA (approximately 25% of the time, typically one week per month).

Responsibilities

• Lead cost planning, estimating, and commercial management for hyperscale data center facilities, including core & shell buildings, substations, site infrastructure, and supporting utilities.
• Develop, present, and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates at key design milestones.
• Manage change control, cost variances, and contingency strategy throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Evaluate cost impacts related to power infrastructure, energy capacity, and AI‑ready design requirements, informing engineering priorities accordingly.
• Perform cost checks, valuations, commitment tracking, and reconciliation of contractor and subcontractor data to ensure financial accuracy and transparency.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing, lead negotiations, and drive fair and commercially sound outcomes for the client.
• Estimate and negotiate change orders associated with design development, authority requirements, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Participate in value engineering and commercial optioneering exercises, balancing performance, sustainability, and cost certainty.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the client on all cost and commercial matters.
• Coordinate with the design team, general contractor, and suppliers to gather status data and produce accurate cost updates.
• Prepare written commercial reports, including monthly cost reports, executive summaries, and funding presentations for senior stakeholders.
• Support VE workshops and funding approvals associated with phased development and future expansion.
• Ensure robust cost auditing, valuation, and financial control processes are in place.
• Manage post‑contract cost reporting, final account negotiations, and close‑out in a timely manner.
• Compile built cost data and benchmarking records for future hyperscale and data center developments.
• Provide leadership aligned with Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and vision.
• Coach and mentor team members, fostering professional development.
• Support financial management activities including fee forecasting, margin tracking, and internal reporting.
• Implement and maintain internal business management systems and delivery methodologies.
• Act as a role model for collaboration, service excellence, and "one business" culture.
• Adhere to SOX control responsibilities where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5–7+ years of relevant cost management experience within the construction industry.
• Proven experience leading cost management on medium to large, high‑complexity projects, ideally including data centers, mission‑critical facilities, or major infrastructure.
• Construction consultancy background strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of procurement strategies, value management, and value engineering.
• RICS accreditation or working toward chartership preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage confidently at all stakeholder levels.

Turner & Townsend is an equal‑opportunity employer. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.