Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turnertownsend; West Palm Beach (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend in West Palm Beach seeks an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management for a major data center project on site. Service includes estimating, cost planning, and commercial support through planning to construction stages.

The role is client-facing with strong communication and leadership requirements. You will drive cost checks, valuations, change control, and collaboration with design teams and contractors to ensure successful project delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of cost management experience in the construction industry.
• RICS accredited or working toward accreditation preferred.
• Experience leading cost management on large-scale construction projects is preferred.

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 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.
• Coordinate all sources of cost information for cost discussions with subs, A/Es, and suppliers.
• Manage cost checks and valuations and participate in post‑contract cost variances.

Skills

Cost management

Client-facing

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

RICS accreditation

Job description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to support a large-scale data center construction project in the West Palm Beach area. This is a full‑time, site‑based position requiring a regular on‑site presence to support project delivery, stakeholder coordination, and cost management activities.

This role will serve as a key client‑facing position, responsible for delivering cost management, estimating, quantity surveying, and commercial support throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring successful project outcomes from planning through construction.

To be successful in this role, you must have strong communication skills and be comfortable operating in a client‑facing environment. The ideal candidate will be self‑motivated, driven, and able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a project team. In this significant position, you will be responsible for providing leadership and direction while 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 or 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 change control processes.
• Manage cost impact / contingency management and commitment tracking logs.
• Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
• Develop cost plans and estimates through the design phase, delivering updated cost plans at appropriate design milestones.
• Provide commercial input to design optioneering and value engineering exercises.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations on behalf of the client to drive fair contract prices.
• Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and change management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure that post‑contract cost variances and change control processes are managed effectively.
• Ensure that cost auditing and validation work is managed effectively and that a robust process for cost valuation is in place.
• Carry out the production of monthly cost reports for presentation to the client.
• Ensure that final accounts are negotiated and agreed upon in a timely manner.
• Compile 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 for each commission and financial reports.
• Implement and maintain the use of internal Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies and tools to ensure consistent delivery of best practices 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 and are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience working in a cost management role within the construction industry.
• RICS accredited or working toward accreditation preferred.
• Experience leading cost management on medium or large‑sized construction projects of medium to high complexity.
• Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting data center, mission‑critical, advanced technology, industrial, or large‑scale commercial construction projects is preferred.
• Good knowledge of construction industry technical matters, including procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
• Excellent communication skills.

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