Senior Estimator – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction management firm based in New York is seeking a Senior Estimator to support its Data Center team. You will be responsible for developing accurate cost plans and estimates for complex construction projects. The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of estimating experience in large-scale projects, particularly in data centers, and possesses excellent analytical and communication skills. The position offers a salary range of $130K-$150K, reflecting the complexity of the work within a flexible working environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in estimating for large-scale construction projects, preferably in data centers.
• Ability to analyze complex design documents and provide accurate cost impacts.
• Strong understanding of land development and large-scale building systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction budget development and pricing revisions.
• Develop detailed estimates for hyperscale data center projects.
• Present cost plans and estimates to stakeholders for alignment.

Skills

Estimating for large-scale construction projects

Communication and presentation skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Proficiency in estimating tools

Education

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

Tools

Industry-standard estimating software

Job description

Senior Estimator – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Data Center team in support of a major hyperscale data center construction program. These projects include large‑scale land development, new builds, retrofits, and leased facilities, all designed to meet the growing demand for advanced technology infrastructure.

As a Senior Estimator, you will play a critical role in developing accurate cost plans and estimates for complex, multi‑phase projects that involve significant site development and cutting‑edge construction methods. This position requires strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of estimating practices, and the ability to collaborate across design, procurement, and construction teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support preconstruction budget development, including pricing revisions through GMP.
• Develop and refine detailed estimates for hyperscale data center projects across multiple regions.
• Present cost plans and estimates to stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment with project objectives.
• Manage cost planning from concept through detailed design, incorporating land development and new build considerations.
• Deliver updated cost plans at key design milestones and provide program‑level estimates for specific scopes.
• Drive value engineering exercises to identify cost‑saving opportunities without compromising performance.
• Analyze design changes, new technologies, and construction methods to assess cost impacts.
• Collaborate with design, procurement, and construction teams to ensure alignment between scope, budget, and schedule.
• Coordinate estimating efforts with internal teams and external consultants/vendors.
• Mentor junior estimating staff and promote best practices.
• Maintain historical cost data and contribute to benchmarking and cost model development.
• Evaluate cost‑effectiveness of alternative materials, systems, and construction methods.
• Support training initiatives for internal and client‑side estimating teams.
• Prepare executive‑level presentations for preconstruction and estimating leadership.
• Deliver life cycle cost models and support total cost of ownership analysis.
• Participate in risk assessments and contingency planning related to cost and scope changes.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role and must be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in estimating for large‑scale construction projects; data center or mission‑critical experience strongly preferred.
• Expertise in preconstruction estimating, cost planning, and GMP development.
• Strong understanding of land development, site work, and large‑scale building systems.
• Ability to analyze complex design documents and provide accurate cost impacts.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for client‑facing interactions.
• Proficiency in industry‑standard estimating tools and software.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with multiple priorities.

Additional Information

Salary range: $130K-$150K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications.

*On‑site presence and requirements may change depending on our client’s needs.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work‑life balance.

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.

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e‑mail accounts shall be considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to agency fee payment. In order to be an authorized Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.