Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to support a large-scale, mission-critical data center program as the primary client-facing cost management lead. This role is responsible for ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget while maintaining strong commercial controls and stakeholder engagement.

This position supports a major data center campus in Frederick, Maryland. We are open to candidates located anywhere on the East Coast with strong data center cost management experience. The role is primarily remote, with travel to the project site required for key project activities and approximately 3-4 days per month. All approved travel expenses are reimbursed.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who thrives in a client-facing environment, can work independently, and has experience leading cost management efforts on large, complex mission-critical projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates through design and delivery phases, leveraging industry benchmarks and technical documentation.
• Produce and present monthly cost reports, executive summaries, and funding data to stakeholders.
• Coordinate all sources of cost information (design teams, GC, subs, vendor quotes) for robust cost validation and auditing.
• Compile built cost records for benchmarking and continuous improvement.
• Lead procurement strategy development, contractor/subcontractor pricing reviews, scope validation, and commercial negotiations to achieve fair contract pricing.
• Manage final accounts and ensure timely agreement.
• Own change control throughout the lifecycle: review, estimate, negotiate, and reconcile change orders; manage post-contract cost variances.
• Support cost risk analysis, scenario planning, contingency management, and commitment tracking.
• Ensure robust cost control systems, including Earned Value Management (EVM) where applicable.
• Integrate cost with schedule and scope, coordinating closely with project controls and scheduling teams.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact; lead value engineering (VE) initiatives and cost optimization strategies.
• Monitor market trends (escalation, labor availability, material pricing) and provide timely insights.
• Act as the primary client interface, ensuring objectives are met and service excellence is delivered.
• Prepare and present executive-level updates, written comments on GC submissions, and cost estimate revisions.
• Ensure adherence to internal Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies.
• Mentor and coach junior team members; foster a high-performance, one-business culture.
• Demonstrate excellence in financial management, including margin tracking and monthly fee/resource forecasting.
• 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.
• 5-7+ years of cost management experience supporting mission-critical data center projects is required, with strong expertise in cost planning, forecasting, change management, procurement, and project controls.
• Open to candidates based anywhere on the East Coast who can travel to the Frederick, MD project site as needed, including major project events and approximately one visit per month (3-4 days onsite).
• Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of MEP systems, resilience considerations, and campus-scale infrastructure common to hyperscale developments.
• Strong foundation in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Expertise in procurement strategies and the commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
• RICS accreditation or progress toward certification is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a high attention to detail.
• Proficiency with industry-standard cost management tools and software.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote environment while maintaining strong engagement with onsite project teams and stakeholders.

Travel & Reimbursement:

• Travel to Frederick, MD required for major project activities and periodic onsite support.
• Approximate onsite expectation of 3-4 days per month minimum.
• All approved business travel expenses are reimbursed.
• Mileage reimbursement provided.

Additional Information

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

The salary range for this role is $140K-$160 USD. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of the posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package. Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.