Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend • $160K — $185K *
Chicago, IL 60629In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
1 week ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years in cost management or project controls, with 3-5 years in leadership.
  • Proven experience in managing large-scale industrial construction programs.
  • Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, and program-level financial reporting.
  • Strong knowledge of procurement strategies and construction contracts; including risk and change management.
  • RICS accreditation or similar certification is preferred.
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills for influencing stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cost management strategies for a multi-phase data center program to ensure governance and compliance.
  • Develop cost strategies and frameworks for multi-billion-dollar budgets, including risk mitigation.
  • Act as the primary client interface, ensuring strong communication with stakeholders throughout projects.
  • Advise on commercial strategy and contract negotiations for complex construction packages.
  • Oversee all lifecycle cost management, including change management and contingency tracking.
  • Drive value engineering initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Mentor cost management teams, supporting their development and succession planning.

Benefits

  • Travel costs covered for candidates traveling from far away.
  • Relocation assistance available for candidates moving closer to the project location.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Lead level Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to lead commercial strategy and cost governance for a large, multi-phase data center development program in the Coal City, IL area.

As a senior leader, you will act as a trusted advisor to key stakeholders, steering cost planning, procurement strategy, risk management, and value engineering to ensure the program is delivered with commercial rigor and consistent governance.

Travel or Relocation
  • For candidates traveling from farther away, the client will cover necessary travel costs.
  • Relocation assistance is available for those interested in moving closer to the project location.


Responsibilities:
  • Provide strategic leadership for cost management across a multi-phase data center program, ensuring governance, compliance, and alignment with organizational standards.
  • Develop and implement cost strategies, frameworks, and reporting structures for multi-billion-dollar budgets, including early-stage budgeting, detailed cost planning, procurement strategy, and risk mitigation.
  • Serve as the primary client interface, maintaining strong communication with stakeholders and consultants throughout all project stages.
  • Advise senior stakeholders on commercial strategy, procurement models, and contract negotiations for complex construction packages.
  • Oversee full lifecycle cost management, including quantity surveying, cost controls, change management, and contingency tracking.
  • Lead executive-level reporting, presenting cost performance, forecasts, and risk assessments.
  • Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Mentor and develop cost management teams, supporting capability growth and succession planning.
  • Contribute to improvements in internal cost management tools, templates, and processes.
  • Manage financial performance, including margin tracking, fee/resource forecasting, and compliance with Business Management Systems (BMS).
  • Support preconstruction activities, feasibility studies, and early-stage cost modeling for future phases.
  • Build strong relationships with clients, contractors, and vendors, identifying opportunities for business growth and cross-selling.
  • SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.


Qualifications

  • Able to work on-site in the Coal City, IL area with hybrid flexibility; travel, or relocation support available.
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of cost management or project controls experience, including 3-5 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven experience managing large-scale, mission-critical, or industrial construction programs.
  • Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems at a program level.
  • Strong knowledge of procurement strategies, commercial management, and construction contracts, including risk and change management.
  • RICS accreditation or similar professional certification strongly preferred.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
  • Advanced analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in industry-standard cost management tools and software.
  • Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience with value engineering and design optimization methodologies.


Additional Information

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

The base salary range for this role is $160K-$185K USD. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of the posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

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
Industry
Real Estate & Construction
* Ladders Estimates

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