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

About the Role

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across the project lifecycle, overseeing cost planning, forecasting, change control, contractor pricing reviews and procurement strategy, and will integrate cost forecasts with scheduling teams. They will be the primary point of contact for commercial reporting, drive cost‑risk analysis, develop optimization strategies, and ensure performance is tracked against KPIs and business management systems. • Lead end‑to‑end cost management for hyperscale data‑center programs across all project phases. • Develop and maintain detailed cost plans, estimates and forecasts using benchmarks and technical data. • Manage change control, review and negotiate change orders, and ensure commercial governance. • Oversee contractor and subcontractor pricing reviews, scope validation and procurement strategy. • Coordinate cost forecasts with scheduling teams to align with project timelines. • Produce and present monthly cost reports, executive summaries and financial updates to stakeholders. • Interface with clients, stakeholders and consultants, maintaining strong communication and relationships. • Conduct cost risk analysis, scenario planning and monitor market trends for pricing and labor. • Develop cost‑optimization and value‑engineering strategies to reduce lifecycle costs. • Set and track performance KPIs, deliver presentations to senior leadership. • Manage financial performance using internal systems, implement Business Management Systems. • Identify and implement improvements to cost‑management processes, tools and knowledge capture. • Lead and mentor junior staff, conduct performance reviews and foster a high‑performance culture. • Act as brand ambassador, build market pipeline and pursue cross‑selling opportunities. • Participate in proposals/RFP responses and networking events to expand market presence. • Ensure compliance with SOX controls where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸cost management
• ▸cost forecasting
• ▸change control
• ▸pricing review
• ▸financial reporting
• ▸kpi tracking

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‑center program. This client‑facing leadership role requires exceptional communication and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, while embedding the firm’s purpose, values and vision. Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline, with a graduate degree preferred, and possess 8‑10+ years of cost‑management or project‑controls experience in construction, ideally on large mission‑critical projects. Required capabilities include strong knowledge of MEP systems, budgeting, Earned Value Management, procurement, proficiency with CostX, Oracle, Excel or Primavera, and RICS accreditation or progress toward it, together with excellent communication, analytical and stakeholder‑management skills. • 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 mission‑critical projects. • Proven client‑facing delivery experience in construction consultancy. • Strong knowledge 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 comparable cost‑management software. • RICS accreditation or progress toward certification highly desirable. • Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills. • Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities; able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Requirements

• ▸costx
• ▸primavera
• ▸rics
• ▸mep systems
• ▸earned value
• ▸10+ yrs

Benefits

Turner & Townsend offers a flexible, healthy working environment that supports work‑life balance, and it is an equal‑opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Employees are encouraged to succeed both professionally and personally, and the firm adheres to strict recruitment policies that prohibit any candidate fees.

Work Environment

Onsite