Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend$90K — $130K *
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 discipline.
  • 6+ years of post-contract cost management or quantity surveying experience with a construction delivery focus.
  • Proven experience leading commercial management on complex construction projects, particularly data centers or infrastructure.
  • Strong background in construction consultancy or client-side cost management roles.
  • Deep knowledge of construction contracts, valuation procedures, and change control processes.
  • RICS accreditation or progress towards chartership is preferred.
  • Confident communicator with a robust client-facing presence.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cost management activities on large, complex data center projects.
  • Act as the primary commercial point of contact for clients during construction delivery.
  • Establish and uphold commercial governance and change management processes.
  • Lead negotiations and agreements on change orders throughout construction.
  • Review contractor pricing for accuracy and value.
  • Oversee cost certificates and payment recommendations professionally.
  • Monitor cost trends and proactively identify commercial risks.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on major mission-critical data center projects.
  • Engagement with a high level of client interaction.
  • Development and mentoring of junior team members.
  • Collaborative work environment with integrated project teams.
  • Access to Turner & Townsend's delivery methodologies and systems.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Senior Quantity Surveyor to act as the key day-to-day client interface on a major mission-critical data center program. These projects demand strong commercial leadership, disciplined cost control, and the capability to support complex infrastructure and site-development works throughout construction.

The ideal candidate is confident in a client-facing environment, self-motivated, and comfortable working both independently and as part of an integrated team. In this senior role, you will focus on cost control, change management, valuations, and commercial governance during the construction phase, providing clear direction and oversight as projects move through delivery.

You will operate as a trusted advisor to the client, working closely with contractors, consultants, and internal teams across complex infrastructure, site-development, and multi-phase campus environments. The role requires setting the standard for best-practice commercial management while consistently representing Turner & Townsend's purpose, values, and vision.

Responsibilities
  • Lead all construction and post-contract cost management activities across large, complex data center and infrastructure projects.
  • Act as the primary commercial point of contact for the client during construction delivery.
  • Establish and maintain robust commercial governance, cost control, and change-management processes.
  • Lead the evaluation, negotiation, and agreement of change orders throughout construction.
  • Review contractor and subcontractor pricing to ensure entitlement, accuracy, and value for money.
  • Manage interim valuations, payment recommendations, and cost certifications with accuracy and timeliness.
  • Oversee contingency drawdown, commitment tracking, and cost-to-complete forecasting.
  • Maintain detailed cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and commercial dashboards for multi-building or multi-phase campuses.
  • Monitor cost variances, analyze trends, and proactively identify commercial risks and opportunities.
  • Support value engineering and cost optimization initiatives during construction, without compromising program or quality.
  • Prepare funding data, executive cost summaries, and commercial briefings for senior client stakeholders.
  • Administer contracts from a cost and commercial perspective, supporting correct interpretation and application of contractual mechanisms.
  • Lead final account negotiations and ensure timely, fair, and defensible commercial close-out.
  • Compile final cost data and built-cost benchmarks to support future phases or portfolio planning.
  • Work closely with project management, design, and construction teams to resolve commercial and coordination issues typical of major campus developments.
  • Mentor and coach junior cost managers and quantity surveyors, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.
  • Contribute to lessons-learned sessions, handover documentation, and internal best-practice development.
  • Utilize internal systems to manage commission financials, margin performance, resource forecasting, and reporting.
  • Apply Turner & Townsend's delivery methodologies and Business Management Systems consistently.
  • Act as a role model for collaboration, integrity, and client service.
  • SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • A minimum of 6+ years of post-contract cost management or quantity surveying experience, with a strong construction delivery track record.
  • Proven experience leading commercial management on medium to large, complex construction projects, preferably within mission-critical, data center, industrial, or infrastructure environments.
  • Strong background in construction consultancy or client-side cost management roles.
  • Deep understanding of construction contracts, valuation procedures, change control, and final account negotiation.
  • Knowledge of procurement strategies, value management, and cost assurance during construction.
  • RICS accreditation or active progress toward chartership preferred.
  • Confident communicator with strong client-facing presence and the ability to lead commercial discussions at senior levels.


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.
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