Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction (Heavy Civil)

Turner & Townsend$90K — $120K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, quantity surveying, engineering, or a related field.
  • 6-7 years of experience in cost management within construction, especially in large-scale infrastructure or heavy civil projects.
  • Experience with complex, fast-paced construction programs with significant site development components.
  • Preferred RICS accreditation or actively pursuing it.
  • Proven leadership experience in managing cost on medium to large projects with moderate to high complexity.
  • Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of construction methods and commercial management.

Responsibilities

  • Estimate and negotiate change orders during the construction lifecycle, focusing on civil and sitework.
  • Develop and present detailed cost plans aligned with early works and heavy civil scopes.
  • Collaborate with design teams and general contractors to validate cost estimates.
  • Review contractor data for accuracy and completeness.
  • Engage with general contractors and clients to update cost estimates based on project status.
  • Prepare concise written reviews and executive summaries of contractor submissions.
  • Coordinate cost information across self-perform work, subcontractors, suppliers, and design quantities.

Benefits

  • Remote work option within the U.S., with occasional site travel required.
  • Supportive environment for professional development and mentorship.
  • Involvement in high-profile, large-scale construction projects.
  • Opportunity to provide leadership and strategic direction in cost management.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to serve as the primary day-to-day client interface on large-scale data center construction projects. This role ensures delivery of disciplined, value-driven cost management services, with a strong focus on heavy civil and site development scopes.

This position is remote, with occasional travel to project sites as required. Candidates must be physically based in the United States and legally authorized to work in the U.S.; remote work is permitted only within the U.S.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and be confident operating in a client-facing role within complex construction environments. You should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

This role requires providing leadership and direction while supporting the purpose, values, and vision of Turner & Townsend.

Responsibilities:
  • Estimating and negotiating change orders throughout the construction lifecycle with particular focus on sitework, earthworks, utilities, and civil packages.
  • Provide detailed estimate and cost planning, including producing and presenting cost plans aligned with early works and heavy civil scopes.
  • Review and actively participate with the design team and general contractor in the development and validation of cost estimates.
  • Reconcile changes and ensure contractor-provided data is complete, accurate, and well-substantiated.
  • Interface regularly with the general contractor and client stakeholders to gather project status and inform cost estimate updates.
  • Prepare clear, concise written reviews of contractor submissions, including executive-level summaries.
  • Coordinate all sources of cost information including self-perform work, subcontractors, suppliers, and design quantities.
  • Inform and help prioritize engineering and design decisions based on cost and constructability impacts.
  • Work proactively to identify and resolve cost, scope, and scheduling challenges with minimal supervision.
  • Manage cost checks and carry out valuations on large-scale civil and infrastructure scopes with accuracy and consistency.
  • Support post-contract cost control, including change management and governance processes.
  • Manage cost impact assessments, contingency tracking, and commitment logs.
  • Prepare funding data, support reporting, and participate in value engineering and cost optimization sessions.
  • Develop and maintain cost plans throughout design progression, aligned with project milestones.
  • Provide commercial input into design options and lead value-based decision support discussions.
  • Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and participate in commercial discussions to ensure fair and reasonable pricing outcomes.
  • Perform quantity surveying, cost control, and change management activities across all project phases.
  • Ensure cost validation, audit, and valuation processes are implemented and consistently applied.
  • Produce accurate monthly cost reports for client presentation and decision-making.
  • Support timely negotiation and agreement of final accounts.
  • Compile and maintain cost data and benchmarks, particularly for heavy civil and site development scopes.
  • Identify, coach, and mentor team members to support capability growth and project success.
  • Demonstrate strong leadership and service delivery aligned with client expectations and project objectives.
  • Support financial management activities, including forecasting, resource planning, and margin tracking.
  • Implement and uphold internal business systems, delivery methodologies, and best practices.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performing project environment across client, contractor, and stakeholder teams.
  • SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role and must be adhered to where applicable.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, quantity surveying, engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum 6-7 years of relevant experience in cost management within the construction industry, including exposure to large-scale infrastructure or heavy civil projects with transferable applicability to data center, mission critical, or similarly complex construction environments.
  • Experience supporting complex, fast-paced construction programs with significant site development components.
  • RICS accredited or actively working toward accreditation is preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cost management efforts on medium to large projects with moderate to high complexity.
  • Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of construction methods, procurement strategies, and commercial management principles.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Candidates must be physically based in the United States and legally authorized to work in the U.S.; remote work is permitted only within the United States.
  • Ability to travel to project sites as required.


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.

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