Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

About the role

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor with data center construction experience to serve as the key, day-to-day client interface and deliver value-added cost management services on a large-scale, mission-critical data center program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates through design and delivery phases, leveraging industry benchmarks and technical documentation.
• Produce and present monthly cost reports, executive summaries, and funding data to stakeholders.
• Capture and validate all sources of cost information (design teams, GC, subs, vendor quotes).
• Compile built cost records for benchmarking and continuous improvement.
• Lead procurement strategy development, contractor/subcontractor pricing reviews, scope validation, and commercial negotiations to secure fair contract prices.
• Manage final accounts and ensure timely agreement.
• Own change control throughout the lifecycle: review, estimate, negotiate, and reconcile change orders; manage post-contract cost variances.
• Support cost risk analysis, scenario planning, contingency management, and commitment tracking.
• Ensure robust cost control systems, including Earned Value Management (EVM) where applicable.
• Integrate cost with schedule and scope, coordinating closely with project controls/scheduling teams.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact; lead value engineering (VE) initiatives and cost optimization strategies.
• Maintain awareness of market trends (escalation, labor availability, material pricing) and provide timely insights.
• Act as the primary client interface, ensuring objectives are met and service excellence is delivered.
• Prepare and present executive-level updates, written comments on GC submissions, and cost estimate updates.
• Ensure adherence to internal Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies.
• Mentor and coach junior team members; foster a high-performance, one-business culture.
• Demonstrate excellence in financial management (margin tracking, monthly fee/resource forecasts) across commissions.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role and must be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Able to work onsite in Henry County for 2–3 days during one week each month, depending on project phase and client requirements (site ~33 miles south of Atlanta).
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
• Data center construction experience is required.
• 5–7+ years in cost management/project controls within mission-critical environments (data centers, high-tech, industrial) and medium to large projects of moderate to high complexity.
• Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of MEP systems, resilience requirements, and campus-scale infrastructure common to hyperscale data centers.
• Strong foundation in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, and EVM.
• Expertise in procurement strategies and the commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
• Experience with large-scale siteworks, utility coordination, and sustainability certifications (e.g., LEED) is advantageous.
• RICS accreditation or progress toward certification is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with high attention to detail.
• Proficiency with industry-standard cost management tools and software.