Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend • $90K — $130K *
Arlington, VA 22204In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
1 week ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related discipline required.
  • 5-7 years of experience in cost management or quantity surveying in construction required.
  • Experience leading cost management on medium to large construction projects of moderate to high complexity desired.
  • Strong background in construction consultancy preferred.
  • Proficient understanding of procurement, cost controls, and change management necessary.
  • RICS accreditation or progressing towards certification preferred.
  • Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage detailed cost plans and estimates throughout design and delivery phases.
  • Prepare and present comprehensive cost plans in line with project timelines and constraints.
  • Participate in validating and reconciling cost estimates with design teams and contractors.
  • Compile cost data for benchmarking and continuous improvement.
  • Estimate and negotiate change orders, ensuring proper documentation and oversight.
  • Manage cost variances and control change processes post-contract.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of contractor pricing and lead negotiations for the client.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on high-visibility and high-impact projects.
  • Chance to drive strategic cost management outcomes in a collaborative environment.
  • Professional development support, including coaching and mentorship opportunities.
  • Engagement in continuous improvement initiatives to refine processes.
  • Be part of a company that values and promotes its core purpose and vision.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to act as the key, day-to-day client interface on a major, multi-phase campus construction program in Northern Virginia.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring client objectives are achieved through robust cost planning, disciplined commercial management, and consistent stakeholder engagement across multiple projects progressing simultaneously.

This is a highly visible, client-facing position requiring excellent communication skills, sound commercial judgment, and the ability to operate independently while providing leadership within a collaborative, high-performance environment. You will embed and promote the purpose, values, and vision of Turner & Townsend while delivering best-in-class cost management outcomes.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop and manage cost plans and estimates through design and delivery phases, producing updated cost plans at defined design milestones.
  • Prepare, present, and maintain the final cost plan, aligned with program phasing, site constraints, and infrastructure scope.
  • Review and participate with design teams and general contractors in the development, validation, and reconciliation of estimates.
  • Compile built cost records to support benchmarking, forecasting, and continuous program improvement.
  • Estimate, negotiate, and reconcile change orders throughout the construction lifecycle, ensuring robust governance and documentation.
  • Manage post-contract cost variances, change control processes, and contingency allocations.
  • Review contractor and subcontractor pricing, validate scope and quantities, and lead negotiations on behalf of the client to drive fair and defensible contract values.
  • Ensure final accounts are negotiated and agreed in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Carry out cost checks, valuations, and audits on larger and more complex projects, ensuring data accuracy and consistency.
  • Produce monthly cost reports, executive summaries, and funding data presentations for client review.
  • Maintain commitment tracking logs and manage cost impact reporting across multiple workstreams.
  • Ensure robust cost validation processes are in place using inputs from designers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and professional advisors.
  • Coordinate cost information across all sources, including drawings, specifications, schedules, and site data.
  • Inform and influence engineering and construction priorities based on cost and value considerations.
  • Provide commercial input into design optioneering and value engineering exercises, coordinating and supporting VE workshops with stakeholders.
  • Work proactively, with minimal supervision, to resolve cost- and schedule-related challenges in a fast-paced construction environment.
  • Act as the primary interface for cost matters, communicating regularly with the client, project managers, and construction teams to gather status and align expectations.
  • Prepare formal written commentary on contractor submissions, including executive-level summaries.
  • Identify, coach, and mentor team members, supporting professional development and celebrating success.
  • Display excellence in leadership and service delivery on all commissions, aligned with conditions of appointment.
  • Ensure compliance with internal Business Management Systems, delivery methodologies, and best-practice controls.
  • Track ongoing margin levels and manage monthly fee and resource forecasts using internal systems.
  • Act as a role model for a one-business culture, balancing outcomes for people, clients, stakeholders, and the wider community.
  • 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 a related construction discipline.
  • Minimum 5-7 years' experience in a cost management or quantity surveying role within the construction industry.
  • Proven experience leading cost management on medium to large construction projects of moderate to high complexity, ideally within campus, multi-building, or multi-site programs.
  • Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of construction delivery, including procurement routes, cost controls, change management, value management, and value engineering.
  • RICS accreditation or progress toward certification preferred.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Detail-oriented, commercially astute, and capable of working independently within complex project teams.


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
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