Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend • $105K — $175K *
San Francisco, CA 94112In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
3 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field
  • Minimum 6+ years of experience in cost management or quantity surveying
  • Experience with large-scale infrastructure projects, ideally data centers
  • Strong understanding of construction delivery methods and commercial processes
  • Proven track record in managing costs from pre-construction through closeout
  • Consultancy experience highly preferred
  • Professional accreditation (RICS or pursuing) is advantageous
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced, detail-oriented environments
  • Willingness to travel as project needs arise

Responsibilities

  • Advise clients on commercial strategy, including vendor prequalification and bid evaluation
  • Lead the procurement process, chairing interviews and supporting contractor appointments
  • Develop and oversee detailed project estimates across all phases
  • Review junior estimates and present findings, value engineering, and risk assessments to stakeholders
  • Engage with contractors to validate and benchmark costs against market data
  • Establish robust cost reporting, including forecasting and budget tracking for large-scale programs
  • Develop and manage commercial risk registers and facilitate cost review meetings
  • Oversee cost control processes, including payment applications and change order evaluations
  • Monitor invoicing and financial workflows for accuracy and compliance
  • Lead final account negotiations and project closeout processes
  • Capture lessons learned to support continuous improvement in the data center sector
  • Utilize costing systems and estimating tools for quality project delivery

Benefits

  • Engaging work environment focused on innovation and efficiency
  • Opportunity to work alongside a major global tech client
  • Hands-on involvement in groundbreaking data center projects
  • Supportive team culture promoting professional development
  • Opportunities for travel to various project sites
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend are looking for a Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to join our San Francisco team, supporting a major hyperscale data center program with a global tech client. The ideal candidate will be driven, client-focused, and aligned with Turner & Townsend's purpose and values while operating in a fast-paced, technically complex environment.

Responsibilities:
  • Advise the client on commercial strategy, including vendor prequalification, bid evaluation, bid leveling, and final recommendation
  • Lead and manage the procurement process, including attending and chairing bid interviews and supporting contractor appointments
  • Develop and manage detailed project estimates across all phases (construction, fees, direct costs, and related expenses), ensuring accuracy and alignment with program objectives
  • Review estimates prepared by junior team members and present findings, value engineering options, and risk assessments to stakeholders
  • Engage directly with contractors and vendors to validate, challenge, and benchmark costs against market data and similar data center projects
  • Establish and maintain robust cost reporting processes, including forecasting, budget tracking, and variance analysis for large-scale capital programs
  • Develop and manage commercial risk registers and facilitate regular cost and risk review meetings with the project team
  • Oversee cost control processes, including payment applications, change order evaluation, and contractor entitlement recommendations
  • Manage commercial aspects of contracts, including dispute avoidance and resolution, with a proactive and solutions-driven approach
  • Monitor invoicing and financial workflows to ensure accuracy and compliance with governance requirements
  • Lead final account negotiations, project closeout, and post-contract audits
  • Contribute to continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and supporting the development of best practices across the data center sector
  • Utilize cost management systems, estimating tools, and benchmarking data to support high-quality project delivery
  • 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 field
  • Minimum 6+ years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, or estimating within the construction industry
  • Experience supporting mission-critical or large-scale infrastructure projects (data center experience strongly preferred)
  • Strong understanding of construction delivery methods (e.g., DBB, DB, CMAR) and commercial management processes
  • Proven experience managing costs across multiple project phases, from pre-construction through closeout
  • Consultancy experience is highly preferred
  • Professional accreditation (RICS or working toward) is advantageous
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate in a client-facing role
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a high level of accountability and attention to detail
  • Willingness to travel as needed to support project requirements


Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.*

The base salary range for this full-time role is $105K - $175K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate's experience and qualifications.

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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