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 hyperscale data center construction projects across the Atlanta metro area. This role offers the opportunity to play a key role on a large-scale, mission-critical data center program.

You will be responsible for managing all cost-related aspects of projects from early-stage budgeting through final closeout. In this client-facing role, you will collaborate closely with design teams, contractors, and key stakeholders to ensure effective cost control, risk management, and value optimization across multiple project phases.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle cost management activities on large-scale hyperscale data center construction projects, from early-stage budgeting through final account closeout.
• Develop and present detailed cost plans, estimates, and budgets aligned with project scope and client objectives.
• Oversee cost control processes, monitor actuals vs. forecasts, identify variances, and implement corrective actions.
• Review and negotiate change orders, ensuring proper documentation and cost validation.
• Provide strategic advice on procurement strategies, bid analysis, and contractor negotiations.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level cost reports, forecasts, and presentations to clients and senior stakeholders.
• Manage contingency tracking, commitments, and cost impacts across multiple packages or phases.
• Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain benchmarking data, historical cost records, and lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the enhancement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal teams.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, architects, engineers, and general contractors to ensure cost control and efficient project execution.
• Participate in risk workshops and proactively identify financial risks, developing mitigation strategies.
• Support preconstruction activities, feasibility studies, and early-stage cost modeling for future phases.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial systems, client-specific requirements, and regulatory controls.
• 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 related field.
• 610+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with increasing responsibility.
• Proven experience managing large-scale, mission-critical construction projects (e.g., data centers, high-tech, industrial).
• Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems.
• Strong knowledge of procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
• RICS accreditation or working toward it is advantageous.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in industry-standard tools and software for cost management.
• Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial.
• Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, change management processes, and risk allocation.
• Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques.

Additional Information

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

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.