Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

About the Role

In this position you will oversee cost control activities, develop and maintain cost plans, budgets and cash‑flow forecasts, and monitor performance against those targets. You will review change orders, manage procurement and bid processes, prepare executive‑level cost reports and dashboards, and support risk analysis and value‑engineering initiatives. Collaboration with cross‑functional teams and continuous improvement of cost‑management tools and reporting standards are also key duties. • Lead cost control for multi‑phase data centre construction, developing cost plans, budgets and cash‑flow forecasts. • Monitor actual costs versus forecasts, report variances and maintain benchmark data. • Review change orders and payment applications for compliance and cost justification. • Support procurement activities, including bid analysis, vendor pre‑qualification and contractor negotiations. • Prepare and present cost reports, executive dashboards and monthly progress updates. • Track contingencies, commitments and contribute to value‑engineering and design optimisation. • Conduct risk analysis, maintain commercial risk registers and advise on mitigation strategies. • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, build stakeholder relationships and participate in governance meetings. • Implement and improve cost‑management tools, templates and reporting standards in line with internal and regulatory requirements. • Manage final accounting, post‑contract audits and lessons‑learned reviews to drive continuous improvement. • Ensure adherence to SOX controls where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸cost control
• ▸budget forecasting
• ▸procurement management
• ▸risk analysis
• ▸cost reporting
• ▸value engineering

What You Bring

The firm is hiring an experienced Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to act as the day‑to‑day client interface on a large‑scale, mission‑critical data centre programme. The role requires strong governance, commercial rigor and stakeholder engagement to ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget and to the highest standards. It is a hybrid position with regular on‑site visits about 35 miles west of North Chicago. Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering or a related discipline, with a Master’s degree preferred, and possess 3–6 years of cost‑management or project‑controls experience on medium‑to‑large construction projects, ideally data centres. Construction consultancy experience, RICS accreditation (or progress toward it), and strong knowledge of cost‑management processes, procurement strategies and risk management are highly valued. Advanced Excel, data‑analysis skills and the ability to interpret technical drawings and MEP systems are required, alongside excellent communication and stakeholder‑management abilities. • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering or a related field (Master’s preferred). • Possess 3–6 years of cost‑management or project‑controls experience on medium‑to‑large construction projects, preferably data centres. • Prior construction consultancy experience and RICS accreditation (or progress toward) are strongly preferred. • Strong knowledge of change‑order review, pay‑application validation, cash‑flow forecasting and cost reporting. • Proficiency with cost‑management software and advanced Excel/data‑analysis skills. • Ability to interpret technical drawings/specifications and knowledge of MEP systems. • Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder‑management abilities in fast‑paced environments.

Requirements

• ▸rics
• ▸advanced excel
• ▸cost software
• ▸mep knowledge
• ▸3-6 years
• ▸data centres

Benefits

The role offers a hybrid work model, a supportive environment that values work‑life balance, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity. On‑site presence and scheduling may change according to client needs, and all candidate information will be handled confidentially in line with EEO guidelines. Turner & Townsend does not charge any recruitment fees and expects all applications to follow the approved recruitment process. • Hybrid work model with regular on‑site visits approximately 35 miles west of North Chicago. • Supportive, flexible environment that promotes work‑life balance and equal‑opportunity employment.

Work Environment

Onsite