Senior Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

About the Role

• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates throughout design and delivery phases. • Produce and present monthly cost reports, executive summaries, and funding data to stakeholders. • Coordinate cost information from design teams, contractors, subcontractors, and vendors for validation and auditing. • Compile built cost records for benchmarking and continuous improvement. • Lead procurement strategy, review contractor pricing, validate scope, and negotiate contracts. • Manage final accounts and ensure timely agreements. • Own change control: review, estimate, negotiate, reconcile change orders and post‑contract cost variances. • Support cost risk analysis, scenario planning, contingency management, and commitment tracking. • Implement robust cost control systems, including Earned Value Management where applicable. • Integrate cost with schedule and scope, collaborating with project controls/scheduling teams. • Drive engineering priorities based on cost impact; lead value engineering and cost optimization initiatives. • Monitor market trends (escalation, labor, material pricing) and provide timely insights. • Serve as primary client interface, delivering service excellence and meeting objectives. • Prepare and present executive‑level updates and written comments on GC submissions. • Ensure adherence to internal Business Management Systems and delivery methodologies. • Mentor and coach junior team members, fostering a high‑performance culture. • Oversee financial management, including margin tracking and monthly fee/resource forecasts. • Comply with applicable SOX control responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸cost planning
• ▸cost reporting
• ▸procurement strategy
• ▸change control
• ▸earned value
• ▸value engineering

What You Bring

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to act as the primary client interface on a large‑scale, mission‑critical data centre programme. The role is responsible for delivering a value‑added cost‑management service that ensures the project is completed on time, within budget and to the highest standards, with a strong focus on governance, commercial rigour and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will operate comfortably in a client‑facing environment, communicate clearly and provide leadership while embodying the purpose, values and vision of the firm. • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering or related field. • 5–7+ years experience in cost management/project controls for mission‑critical environments such as data centers. • Strong background in construction consultancy (preferred) and understanding of MEP systems and hyperscale data centre infrastructure. • Expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems and Earned Value Management. • Skilled in procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts. • RICS accreditation or progress toward certification advantageous. • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities. • Strong analytical, problem‑solving skills with high attention to detail. • Proficiency with industry‑standard cost management tools and software.

Requirements

• ▸bachelor
• ▸5+ years
• ▸rics
• ▸cost control
• ▸procurement
• ▸mep

Benefits

The position is based onsite approximately one hour east of Columbus, Ohio, in Conesville, with candidates required to be onsite at least three days per week. Per‑diem and mileage reimbursement are available for those commuting from Franklin County or the Columbus area. The salary range for this full‑time role is $130 K‑$160 K base, dependent on experience, and Turner & Townsend promotes a healthy, flexible work environment that respects work‑life balance. The firm is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, and all applicant information is handled confidentially in accordance with EEO guidelines.

Work Environment

Onsite