Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

About the Role

The firm is hiring a Lead Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor to provide strategic leadership and commercial governance for a large-scale, multi-phase data centre development programme. The role oversees cost planning, budgeting, procurement strategy and risk management across multiple packages, serving as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders and delivering executive-level reporting while driving value-engineering initiatives. • Lead cost management strategy and governance for multi-phase data center programs. • Develop and implement cost frameworks for multi-billion-dollar budgets, including estimates, detailed cost plans, procurement strategies and risk mitigation. • Serve as primary client interface, maintaining communication with stakeholders and consultants. • Advise on commercial strategy, procurement models and contract negotiations for complex packages such as MEP and energy infrastructure. • Oversee full lifecycle cost management: quantity surveying, cost controls, change management and contingency tracking. • Deliver executive-level reports on cost performance, forecasts and risk assessments. • Drive value engineering and design optimization to identify cost-saving opportunities. • Mentor and develop cost-management teams, ensuring capability growth and succession planning. • Enhance internal cost-management tools, templates and processes for continuous improvement. • Manage financial performance, including margin tracking, fee/resource forecasts and compliance with internal systems. • Support pre-construction activities, feasibility studies and early-stage cost modeling for future phases. • Build strong relationships with clients, contractors and vendors, acting as a trusted advisor and identifying business growth opportunities. • Ensure adherence to SOX control responsibilities where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸cost management
• ▸procurement strategy
• ▸risk management
• ▸executive reporting
• ▸value engineering
• ▸tool enhancement

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred. • 10+ years experience in cost management or project controls, with 3–5 years in a leadership role. • Proven track record managing large-scale, mission-critical construction programmes such as data centres, industrial or energy infrastructure. • Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting and program-level cost control systems. • Strong knowledge of procurement strategies, commercial management and construction contracts. • RICS accreditation or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred. • Exceptional leadership, communication and negotiation skills. • Advanced analytical and problem‑solving abilities with attention to detail. • Proficiency with industry-standard cost‑management tools and software. • Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services desirable. • Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast‑paced environment. • Experience with value engineering and design optimisation techniques. • Knowledge of sustainability considerations and energy infrastructure is a plus.

Requirements

• ▸bsc construction
• ▸10+ yrs
• ▸cost management
• ▸rics
• ▸leadership
• ▸cost software

Benefits

Turner & Townsend promotes an inclusive, diverse workplace where employees are encouraged to influence change. The company supports a healthy, flexible work environment that respects work‑life balance and offers opportunities for professional growth. As an equal‑opportunity employer, it celebrates diversity and encourages applications from all community sectors.

Work Environment

Onsite