Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

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

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

The base salary range for this full-time role is $130K - $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.