Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

About the Role

• Lead cost management strategy and governance for multi‑phase data‑center programs. • Develop and implement cost frameworks for multi‑billion‑dollar budgets, including estimates, 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 reporting on cost performance, forecasts, and risk assessments. • Drive value‑engineering and design‑optimization initiatives 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 trusted advisor and identifying business growth opportunities. • Ensure compliance with SOX controls where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸cost management
• ▸cost planning
• ▸quantity surveying
• ▸value engineering
• ▸tool development
• ▸client liaison

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred. • 10+ years cost management or project controls experience, with 3–5 years in leadership. • Proven track record managing large‑scale, mission‑critical construction programs (e.g., data centers, industrial, 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. • Excellent 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 (beneficial). • Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast‑paced environment. • Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques. • Knowledge of sustainability considerations and energy infrastructure (a plus).

Requirements

• ▸rics
• ▸cost control
• ▸procurement
• ▸mep
• ▸leadership
• ▸10+ years

Benefits

Our inspired people share our vision and mission, and we provide a great place to work that promotes a healthy, productive and flexible environment respecting work‑life balance. Turner & Townsend is an equal‑opportunity employer that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, and encourages applications from all sectors of the community. We adhere to strict recruitment policies—candidates never pay fees, and unsolicited resumes become the property of Turner & Townsend.

Work Environment

Onsite