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 programmes. • Develop and maintain detailed cost plans, estimates and forecasts using industry benchmarks. • Manage change control, reviewing and negotiating change orders and tracking post‑contract variances. • Oversee contractor and subcontractor pricing reviews, scope validation and procurement strategy development. • Advise on contracting and procurement approaches and support program‑level capital planning. • Coordinate with scheduling teams to integrate cost forecasts with project timelines and milestones. • Serve as primary contact for commercial status reporting, producing monthly cost reports and executive summaries. • Interface with clients, stakeholders and consultants throughout all project stages, maintaining strong relationships. • Conduct cost risk analysis, scenario planning and sensitivity testing, monitoring market trends. • Develop cost optimisation and value engineering strategies to reduce lifecycle costs. • Set and track performance via KPIs and critical success factors, presenting results to senior leadership. • Manage financial performance using internal systems to track margins, forecasts and reporting; implement Business Management Systems. • Identify opportunities to improve cost management processes, templates and tools; champion knowledge management. • Provide leadership for the team, mentoring junior staff, conducting performance reviews and fostering a collaborative culture. • Act as brand ambassador, building market understanding, pipeline of opportunities and cross‑selling. • Participate in proposals/RFP responses and attend networking events to expand market presence. • Ensure compliance with SOX control responsibilities where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

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

What You Bring

The firm is hiring 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 skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. The position provides strategic leadership, ensuring successful delivery of cost management while embedding Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values and vision, and involves managing both internal and external stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. The role is hybrid 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 experience delivering construction consultancy services in a client‑facing role. • 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 cost management tools such as CostX, Oracle, Excel and Primavera. • RICS accreditation or equivalent certification (or progress toward certification) highly desirable. • Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and stakeholder management skills. • Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Requirements

• ▸rics
• ▸costx
• ▸oracle
• ▸excel
• ▸primavera
• ▸communication

Benefits

The salary range for this full‑time position is $140 K–$175 K per year, reflecting base salary only; total compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications. Turner & Townsend promotes a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work‑life balance, and strives to be an inclusive employer that celebrates diversity. The company encourages applications from all sectors of the community and provides a great place to work where each person can affect change.

Work Environment

Onsite