Senior Data Center Cost Manager & Quantity Surveyor

Turner & Townsend; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to provide commercial management, cost control, and estimating services on a major, multi-phase Data Center construction program for a global technology client. The role is client-facing, requiring strong construction knowledge and the ability to work with owners, contractors, and design teams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include preparing cost plans, cash flow forecasts, and engagement with design

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in cost management or quantity surveying within the construction industry.
• Experience on large-scale, complex, or mission-critical construction projects, such as data centers, industrial facilities, or infrastructure.
• Strong post-contract administration and change management background.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities.
• Proficiency with Procore, Bluebeam, Sage, or similar commercial management tools.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, procurement strategies, and commercial risk management.

Responsibilities

• Act as a client-facing commercial partner, clearly communicating cost status, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Prepare and present cost plans, estimates, funding summaries, and cash flow forecasts for large-scale data center construction projects.
• Collaborate closely with design teams, architects/engineers, and general contractors to support cost development and design progression.
• Influence engineering and design decisions by evaluating and communicating cost, risk, and schedule impacts.
• Lead pre- and post-contract cost management, ensuring accurate forecasting, contingency management, and commercial reporting.
• Coordinate all cost inputs, including supplier pricing, subcontractor data, and direct procurement, to ensure transparency and accuracy.
• Validate general contractor and subcontractor cost submissions, including quantities, pricing, and backup documentation.
• Estimate, negotiate, and reconcile change orders and variations in accordance with contract terms and commercial expectations.
• Maintain commitment, contingency, and forecast models, tracking performance against approved budgets.
• Manage interim valuations, cost checks, and payment support to ensure accurate commercial administration.
• Support post-contract cost variance analysis and final account agreement.
• Participate in value engineering and cost optimization workshops while maintaining performance, quality, and schedule requirements.
• Proactively resolve cost, scope, and schedule issues with minimal supervision.
• Prepare executive-level cost reports and written commentary on contractor submissions, risks, and trends.
• SOXcontrol responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Education

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

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Sage

Job description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to provide commercial management, cost control, and estimating services on a major, multi-phase Data Center construction program for a global technology client. The role is client-facing, requiring strong construction knowledge and the ability to work with owners, contractors, and design teams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include preparing cost plans, cash flow forecasts, and engagement with design