Strategic Cost Leader — Data Center Construction

Turnertownsend; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management on a large-scale data center construction program in Washington, DC. You will deliver cost planning, estimating, procurement, change management, contract administration and commercial reporting from planning through closeout, helping clients make informed commercial decisions.

On-site presence may be required; strong communication and stakeholder skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in a cost management role within construction.
• RICS accreditation preferred or working toward.
• Experience leading cost management on medium to large scale projects of medium to high complexity.

Responsibilities

• Estimating and negotiating change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Provide estimate and cost planning services, including producing and presenting final cost plans.
• Review and participate with design team and contractors in development of project cost estimates.
• Reconcile estimate changes and review contractor pricing for accuracy and alignment with project requirements.
• Coordinate with project teams, contractors, and stakeholders to gather information and prepare cost estimate updates.
• Prepare written reviews and commercial commentary on contractor submissions.
• Coordinate all sources of cost information, including contractor pricing, supplier quotations, benchmarking data, and consultant estimates.
• Inform and support project decision-making through analysis of cost impacts and commercial considerations.
• Manage cost checks and carry out valuations on projects, ensuring timely and accurate cost validation.
• Participate in post-contract cost management, change control, and cost reporting processes.
• Manage contingency tracking, commitment logs, cost forecasts, and final cost projections.
• Prepare funding analyses and support value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.
• Develop cost plans and estimates through the design phase, delivering updates at key project milestones.
• Provide commercial input during design development and value engineering exercises.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and support commercial negotiations on behalf of the client.
• Perform quantity surveying, cost control, and change management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure post-contract cost variances and change control processes are effectively managed.
• Support cost auditing, valuation reviews, and cost validation activities.
• Produce monthly cost reports and commercial updates for client stakeholders.
• Support final account negotiations and project closeout activities.
• Maintain project cost records and benchmarking data to support future project planning and delivery.
• Support the development of junior team members through coaching and knowledge sharing.
• Utilize internal systems to support commission financial management, forecasting, and reporting.
• Implement and maintain company delivery methodologies, business systems, and best practices.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role and are to be adhered to where applicable.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

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

Job description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management on a large-scale data center construction program in Washington, DC. You will deliver cost planning, estimating, procurement, change management, contract administration and commercial reporting from planning through closeout, helping clients make informed commercial decisions.

On-site presence may be required; strong communication and stakeholder skills are essential.