Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

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 related field.
  • 5-7+ years of relevant cost management/project controls experience; consultancy experience preferred.
  • Proven experience leading cost management on complex data center or industrial projects.
  • Strong understanding of MEP systems and hyperscale data center infrastructure.
  • Expertise in procurement strategies and commercial contract management.
  • RICS accreditation or progress towards is preferred.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates through design milestones.
  • Coordinate cost information from design teams and vendors for validation and auditing.
  • Drive engineering priorities with cost impact and integrate it with scheduling.
  • Lead procurement strategy and contract negotiations to achieve fair prices.
  • Prepare written comments on contractor submissions and present updates to stakeholders.
  • Manage change control throughout the project lifecycle and reconcile cost variances.
  • Coach and mentor junior team members to foster a high-performance culture.

Benefits

  • Per diem provided for required travel.
  • Mileage reimbursement for local candidates.
  • Travel cost coverage for candidates traveling from afar.
  • Relocation assistance available for interested candidates.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to act as the key, day-to-day client interface and deliver a value-added cost management service on a large-scale, mission-critical data center program in the Phoenix market. You will ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards, with strong emphasis on governance, commercial rigor, and stakeholder engagement.

Travel, Per Diem & Relocation
  • Per diem will be provided for required travel.
  • Mileage reimbursement is available for candidates who live within driving distance of the site.
  • 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.

The ideal candidate is confident in client-facing environments, communicates clearly, and can work both independently and as part of a collaborative team, providing leadership while embedding and promoting Turner & Townsend's purpose, values, and vision.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates through design milestones; produce and present final cost plans and executive summaries.
  • Coordinate all sources of cost information (design teams, GC, subcontractors, vendor quotes, benchmark data) for robust cost validation and auditing.
  • Provide commercial input to design optioneering and lead value engineering (VE) and cost optimization initiatives.
  • Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact; integrate cost with schedule and scope in coordination with project controls/scheduling.
  • Lead procurement strategy development, scope validation, contractor/subcontractor pricing reviews, and commercial negotiations to achieve fair contract prices.
  • Prepare written comments on contractor submissions and present executive-level updates to stakeholders.
  • Own change control throughout the lifecycle: review, estimate, negotiate, and reconcile change orders; manage post-contract cost variances.
  • Establish and operate cost control systems, including cost checks, valuations, commitment tracking, contingency management, and (where applicable) EVM.
  • Produce and present monthly cost reports and funding data; coordinate VE sessions and scenario planning.
  • Ensure timely agreement of final accounts and compile as-built cost records for benchmarking and continuous improvement.
  • Act as the primary client interface, ensuring objectives are met and service excellence is delivered.
  • Demonstrate excellence in financial management (margin tracking, monthly fee/resource forecasts) across commissions.
  • Implement and maintain internal Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies/tools for consistent best practice.
  • Coach and mentor junior team members; foster a high-performance, one-business culture.
  • SOX control responsibilities may apply and must be adhered to where applicable.


Qualifications

  • Able to work on-site in the Phoenix, AZ area as required, with a flexible hybrid schedule and available per diem, travel, or relocation support.
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Cost Management, or a related field.
  • 5-7+ years of relevant experience in cost management/project controls within construction; construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
  • Proven experience leading cost management on medium to large, complex projects-mission-critical/data center, high-tech, or industrial experience is a plus.
  • Solid understanding of MEP systems, resilience requirements, and campus-scale infrastructure common to hyperscale data centers.
  • Strong foundation in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, and (where applicable) EVM.
  • Expertise in procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
  • RICS accreditation (or progress toward) preferred.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with strong analytical/problem-solving ability and high attention to detail.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard cost management tools and software.


Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our clients' 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.
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