Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend • $80K — $110K *
Detroit, MI 48228In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
Less than 5 years of experience
1 week ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or related field.
  • 3-5 years of relevant cost management experience in the construction industry.
  • RICS accreditation or working towards it is beneficial.
  • Experience with medium to large-sized construction projects.
  • Preferred background in construction consultancy.
  • Strong knowledge of construction technical areas such as procurement routes and value management.
  • Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Advise clients on procurement and contracting strategies for data center construction.
  • Manage vendor prequalification, evaluate bids, and prepare bid evaluations.
  • Lead vendor interviews and support contract negotiations.
  • Develop detailed cost estimates for construction projects including various components.
  • Review junior team members' estimates for accuracy and compliance with benchmarks.
  • Present cost estimates and assessments to clients.
  • Engage with contractors to validate cost inputs and challenge assumptions.
  • Establish and maintain cost reporting schedules for the program.
  • Prepare cost reports and cash flow forecasts for project budgeting.
  • Manage invoicing processes and support final contract closeouts.

Benefits

  • Exposure to one of the largest construction programs in Michigan's history.
  • Opportunity to work on multiple large-scale facilities within a high-value campus program.
  • Engagement with a collaborative team culture aligned with Turner & Townsend values.
  • Professional development opportunities including potential RICS accreditation.
  • Dynamic work environment with periodic site visits for hands-on involvement.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to join our data center team and support a major new data center construction program. The ideal candidate will be driven, collaborative, and aligned with our Turner & Townsend purpose and values.

This role supports one of the largest construction programs in Michigan's history, involving multiple large-scale facilities and significant regional development activity. The position may be based in the Detroit metro area, with periodic site visits to a project location approximately 44 miles west Detroit, enabling direct engagement with project teams and on-site coordination across a high-value, multi-building campus program.

The Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor will deliver full-lifecycle cost management across a complex, multi-building campus program, including estimating, procurement support, cost control, reporting, and final account closeout on a high-value construction portfolio.

Responsibilities:
  • Advise the client on procurement and contracting strategies tailored to large-scale data center construction.
  • Manage vendor prequalification, evaluate bids and proposals, prepare bid leveling, and make final recommendations.
  • Lead and participate in vendor interviews, support contract negotiation, and oversee the appointment process.
  • Develop detailed construction cost estimates for large data center facilities, including structure, fit-out, MEP, sitework, and associated costs.
  • Review and refine estimates prepared by junior team members, ensuring accuracy and alignment with benchmark data.
  • Present estimates, value engineering options, and risk assessments to the client.
  • Engage with contractors and suppliers to validate cost inputs and challenge assumptions where needed.
  • Establish and maintain the cost reporting schedule for the program.
  • Prepare, review, and present cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and budget updates.
  • Maintain and update the commercial risk register and support regular cost review meetings with the broader project team.
  • Benchmark performance and costs against similar data center commissions.
  • Review and assess contractor payment applications, collaborating closely with project managers to determine entitlement.
  • Evaluate change order requests, negotiate cost impacts, and prepare recommendations for client approval.
  • Use dispute avoidance and resolution procedures to support smooth financial administration and mitigate potential conflicts.
  • Manage and monitor invoicing processes for accuracy and compliance.
  • Lead the final accounting process, post-contract audits, and financial closeout activities.
  • Conduct post-contract reviews with the client and prepare lessons-learned documentation.
  • Develop and refine procedures governing handover and closeout of major construction packages.
  • Utilize key tools, including bid analysis sheets, change control forms, takeoff software, and cost-estimating systems to support all cost management functions.
  • SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or field related to construction.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of relevant cost management experience in the construction industry.
  • RICS accredited or working towards it is valuable.
  • Experience supporting cost management on medium or large-sized construction projects.
  • Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
  • Good knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
  • Strong communication skills.


Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.

About Turner & Townsend

Turner & Townsend Careers

Joining Turner & Townsend offers a unique opportunity to contribute to some of the most exciting projects worldwide. As a global leader in professional services, Turner & Townsend is at the forefront of transforming the industry through expertise, innovation, and leadership.

Explore Job Opportunities

Turner & Townsend is constantly seeking skilled professionals eager to drive innovation and lead industry standards. With a variety of job opportunities available, candidates can find positions that match their skills and career aspirations. Explore employment options that span across critical sectors such as construction, project management, and consultancy.

Experience Professional Growth

Turner & Townsend is committed to the professional growth and continuous development of its team members. The company supports career advancement through robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, ensuring every team member has the tools and knowledge to succeed.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career journey, Turner & Townsend offers internship programs that provide a rich learning environment. Interns gain hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and contributing to impactful projects. These internships are a gateway to full-time employment and a flourishing career within the company.

Cultivating a Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Turner & Townsend prides itself on fostering an inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated. The company believes that a diverse workforce enhances creativity and drives innovation. Employees from various backgrounds are encouraged to share their unique perspectives, promoting a collaborative and supportive workplace.

Benefits and Employee Wellbeing

Understanding the importance of a work-life balance, Turner & Townsend offers comprehensive benefits designed to support the wellbeing of its team. Benefits include health care, flexible working conditions, and competitive retirement plans, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for employees.

Join the Team

Turner & Townsend is hiring! Search open positions that align with your professional skills and interests. The company is looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and get ready to join a team where your contributions will be valued and your career will flourish.

Networking and Career Development

Turner & Townsend encourages continuous networking and professional development. By participating in industry conferences and company-hosted events, employees can build valuable relationships and stay current with industry trends.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Turner & Townsend: - **Read Careers Blog**: Gain insights from experts and stay informed about the latest company news and industry trends. - **Job Alert Emails**: Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Turner & Townsend. Turner & Townsend is not just a place to work—it's a place where careers are made, innovation thrives, and opportunities abound. Join the team and be part of shaping the future of the industry.
Learn more about Turner & Townsend
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Real Estate & Construction
* Ladders Estimates

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