Associate Director – Cost Management – Data Center Construction

About the Role

• Lead cost management strategy and governance for multi‑phase data center program. • Develop cost frameworks, budgeting, procurement and risk mitigation for multi‑billion‑dollar budgets. • Serve as primary client interface, communicating with stakeholders and consultants. • Advise senior leaders on commercial strategy, procurement models and contract negotiations. • Oversee lifecycle cost activities: quantity surveying, cost control, change management, contingency tracking. • Produce executive‑level cost performance reports and risk assessments. • Drive value engineering to identify cost‑saving opportunities without affecting performance. • Mentor and develop cost management team, handling succession planning and performance reviews. • Enhance internal cost tools, templates and processes for continuous improvement. • Manage financial performance, margin tracking and compliance with Business Management Systems.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸cost management
• ▸budgeting
• ▸procurement
• ▸lifecycle cost
• ▸value engineering
• ▸reporting

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering (advanced degree preferred). • 10+ years cost management/project controls experience, 3–5 years in leadership. • Proven experience delivering large‑scale, mission‑critical construction (e.g., hyperscale data centers). • Expertise in program‑level cost planning, budgeting, reporting and control systems. • Strong knowledge of procurement, commercial management and construction contracts. • RICS accreditation or equivalent professional certification preferred. • Excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills influencing senior stakeholders. • Advanced analytical and problem‑solving abilities with attention to detail. • Proficiency with industry‑standard cost management software. • Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services; knowledge of energy infrastructure and sustainability a plus.

Requirements

• ▸construction degree
• ▸cost management
• ▸rics
• ▸leadership
• ▸cost software
• ▸mep

Benefits

The company is hiring an Associate Director of Cost Management to lead commercial strategy and cost governance for a large‑scale, multi‑phase data center development located near Columbus, Ohio. The role requires onsite presence three days per week, with per‑diem and mileage reimbursement for candidates commuting from the Columbus area. Turner & Townsend promotes a healthy, flexible work environment, values diversity and inclusion, and offers equal‑opportunity employment. They emphasize work‑life balance, support employee success, and maintain strict policies against recruitment fees.

Work Environment

Onsite