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 (advanced degree preferred).
  • 6-7 years of cost management/project controls experience on complex projects.
  • Experience in data center or mission-critical/industrial projects is a must.
  • Consultancy experience and knowledge of procurement, commercial management, and contracts are desired.
  • RICS accreditation (or pursuing) is strongly preferred.
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills for effective client interfacing.
  • Excellent analytical skills and proficiency with industry-standard cost tools.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary client contact to ensure cost management objectives are met.
  • Lead project delivery for specific phases/packages in collaboration with stakeholders.
  • Prepare and present detailed project updates and cost estimates at design milestones.
  • Reconcile estimates with design and construction teams; validate quantities.
  • Provide commercial insights for design optimization and value engineering.
  • Negotiate contract pricing and manage change orders through their lifecycle.
  • Generate regular cost reports, forecasts, and trend analyses.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for mentorship and coaching within the team.
  • Involvement in continuous improvement of internal processes and tools.
  • Potential for career growth in a leading consultancy environment.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to support a large-scale, multi-phase hyperscale data center program near St. Louis, MO.

In this role, you will serve as a key day-to-day client interface, leading the delivery of high-value cost management services across a complex, multi-phase data center development. You will be responsible for driving cost planning, procurement strategy, change management, and commercial governance, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and rigor across multiple workstreams and packages.

The ideal candidate is a confident, client-facing professional with strong communication skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to operate both independently and collaboratively within a high-performing project team.

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 work onsite 3x per week in the St. Louis, MO area.
  • 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.

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