Associate Director - Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

About the Role

• Lead end‑to‑end cost management across all project phases for hyperscale data centre programs. • Develop and maintain detailed cost plans, estimates and forecasts using benchmarks and technical documentation. • Manage change control, review and negotiate change orders, and ensure commercial governance. • Oversee contractor and subcontractor pricing reviews, scope validation and procurement strategy development. • Coordinate cost forecasts with scheduling teams to align with project timelines. • Produce and present monthly cost reports, executive summaries and financial updates to stakeholders. • Act as primary client and stakeholder liaison, maintaining strong communication and relationships. • Conduct cost risk analysis, scenario planning and monitor market trends for escalation, labor and material pricing. • Develop cost optimisation and value‑engineering strategies to reduce lifecycle costs. • Set and track performance KPIs, prepare presentations for senior leadership. • Manage financial performance using internal systems, implement Business Management Systems and best‑practice methodologies. • Identify and champion improvements to cost‑management processes, templates and tools. • Lead, mentor and develop junior staff, fostering a high‑performance collaborative culture. • Serve as brand ambassador, build market understanding, pipeline of opportunities and support business generation. • Participate in proposals/RFP responses and networking events to expand market presence. • Adhere to SOX control responsibilities where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸cost management
• ▸cost planning
• ▸change control
• ▸pricing review
• ▸financial reporting
• ▸risk analysis

What You Bring

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Associate Director – Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead cost management services on a large‑scale, mission‑critical data centre programme. This client‑facing leadership role requires exceptional communication and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. The position provides strategic leadership, manages internal and external stakeholders, and drives collaboration and accountability across the project lifecycle. It is a hybrid role with regular on‑site visits approximately 35 miles west of North Chicago. • Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering or related field; graduate degree preferred. • 8–10+ years of cost management or project controls experience in construction, preferably on large‑scale, mission‑critical projects. • Proven client‑facing delivery experience in construction consultancy. • Strong understanding of MEP systems, resilience requirements and campus‑scale infrastructure. • Expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, Earned Value Management and procurement strategies. • Proficiency with CostX, Oracle, Excel, Primavera or similar cost‑management tools. • RICS accreditation or progress toward certification highly desirable. • Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and stakeholder management skills. • Strong analytical, problem‑solving abilities and ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Requirements

• ▸rics
• ▸costx
• ▸mep systems
• ▸earned value
• ▸10+ years
• ▸client-facing

Benefits

The salary range for this full‑time role is $140K‑$175K per year, representing base salary only and subject to adjustment based on experience. Turner & Townsend promotes a healthy, productive and flexible working environment, values work‑life balance, and is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All candidate information is kept confidential according to EEO guidelines, and no recruitment fees are required from candidates.

Work Environment

Onsite