Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend • $90K — $130K *
Chicago, IL 60629In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
2 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
  • 6-7 years of cost management/project controls experience in medium-to-large, complex projects.
  • Experience with data center or mission-critical/industrial projects strongly preferred.
  • Consultancy experience with knowledge of procurement, commercial management, contracts, change, and risk.
  • Demonstrated expertise in estimating, budgeting, and cost control systems.
  • RICS accreditation or working towards it strongly preferred.
  • Excellent client-facing communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the main client contact and ensure cost management excellence.
  • Lead delivery for assigned project phases/packages in coordination with various teams.
  • Prepare and deliver written and verbal updates and executive summaries.
  • Develop cost estimates and plans, presenting updates through the design process.
  • Reconcile and validate estimates with the design and construction teams.
  • Provide input on design options to enhance cost-effectiveness.
  • Manage procurement strategies and assist in contractor pricing evaluations.
  • Negotiate competitive contract values and handle change orders from evaluation to approval.

Benefits

  • Flexible remote working arrangements with a preference for Chicago, IL or Indianapolis, IN.
  • Monthly travel to project site in St. Louis, MO.
  • Mentoring opportunities to develop junior team members.
  • Access to internal benchmarks and tools for cost management.
  • Participation in continuous improvement initiatives and best practices.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to act as the day-to-day client interface and lead delivery of a value-added cost management service on a large, multi-phase data center development program. You will drive cost planning, change management, procurement support, and governance, ensuring commercial rigor across multiple phases/packages. The ideal candidate is a confident client-facing communicator who is self-motivated, collaborative, and able to work independently when needed.

Travel Requirement

Candidates may be based remotely, with preference for Chicago, IL or Indianapolis, IN for ease of in-person client interaction. Monthly travel (2-3 days per trip) to the project site near St. Louis, MO is required.

Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the key, day-to-day client interface; ensure client objectives are met through best-in-class cost management.
  • Lead scope delivery for assigned phases/packages; coordinate with designers, GC/CM, and trade partners.
  • Prepare and present clear written and verbal updates, executive summaries, and recommendations.
  • Develop estimates and cost plans through design, presenting updates at each design milestone.
  • Review and reconcile estimates with the GC/CM and design team; validate quantities and scope alignment.
  • Provide commercial input to design optioneering and value engineering (VE); inform engineering priorities based on cost/constructability.
  • Support procurement strategy and contract administration; review contractor/subcontractor pricing.
  • Lead/assist price negotiations to drive fair and competitive contract values.
  • Provide independent cost/market inputs using internal benchmarks and supplier intelligence.
  • Manage change orders end-to-end: evaluate, negotiate, and track through approval.
  • Maintain commitment tracking, contingency management, trend analysis, and risk registers.
  • Ensure robust cost validation, auditing, and change control processes throughout delivery.
  • Produce timely monthly cost reports, forecasts, cash flows, and variance analyses.
  • Coordinate funding data, develop executive-level summaries, and facilitate VE/risk sessions.
  • Implement and maintain Turner & Townsend Business Management Systems (BMS) and delivery tools; comply with SOX controls where applicable.
  • Mentor and coach junior team members; model T&T purpose, values, and service excellence.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of internal tools, templates, benchmarks, and best practices.
  • Support account growth and cross-selling through strong stakeholder relationships.
  • SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.


Qualifications

  • Ability to travel to the St. Louis, MO area monthly (1-2 trips, 2-3 days each).
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field (advanced degree a plus).
  • A minimum of 6-7 years of cost management / project controls experience, including leading cost deliverables on medium-to-large, complex projects.
  • Data center or mission-critical/industrial project experience strongly preferred.
  • Consultancy experience preferred; strong knowledge of procurement, commercial management, contracts, change, and risk.
  • Demonstrated expertise in estimating, cost planning, budgeting, reporting, and cost control systems.
  • RICS accreditation (or working toward it) strongly preferred.
  • Excellent client-facing communication and negotiation skills; ability to influence stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail; proficiency with industry-standard cost tools.


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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