Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working with clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy, and natural resources, we transform challenges into opportunities and deliver outcomes that improve people’s lives. Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset, and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero, and digital solutions.

About the role

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to support a large-scale, mission-critical data center program as the primary client-facing cost management lead. This role ensures projects are delivered on time and within budget while maintaining strong commercial controls and stakeholder engagement. The position supports a major data center campus in Frederick, Maryland. We are open to candidates located anywhere on the East Coast with strong data center cost management experience. The role is primarily remote, with travel to the project site required for key project activities (approximately 3-4 days per month). All approved travel expenses are reimbursed.

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.
• Coordinate all sources of cost information (design teams, GC, subs, vendor quotes) for robust cost validation and auditing.
• Compile built cost records for benchmarking and continuous improvement.
• Lead procurement strategy development, contractor/subcontractor pricing reviews, scope validation, and commercial negotiations to achieve fair contract pricing.
• 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 and scheduling teams.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact; lead value engineering (VE) initiatives and cost optimization strategies.
• Monitor 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 revisions.
• 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, including margin tracking and monthly fee/resource forecasting.
• Adhere to SOX control responsibilities where applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5-7+ years of cost management experience supporting mission-critical data center projects, with strong expertise in cost planning, forecasting, change management, procurement, and project controls.
• Open to candidates based anywhere on the East Coast who can travel to the Frederick, MD project site as needed (approximately 3-4 days per month).
• Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of MEP systems, resilience considerations, and campus-scale infrastructure common to hyperscale developments.
• Strong foundation in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Expertise in procurement strategies and the commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
• RICS accreditation or progress toward certification is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a high attention to detail.
• Proficiency with industry-standard cost management tools and software.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote environment while maintaining strong engagement with onsite project teams and stakeholders.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $140K–$160K USD. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

Schedule

The role is primarily remote, with travel to Frederick, MD required for key project activities and approximately 3-4 days per month. All approved business travel expenses, including mileage, are reimbursed.

Benefits

Turner & Townsend promotes a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth and development.