Senior Cost Manager Quantity Surveyor Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager or Quantity Surveyor to drive cost management for a large-scale mission-critical data center program in the Chicago metropolitan area. These projects involve multi-phase construction of advanced facilities designed to expand cloud and AI infrastructure with significant investment in MEP systems and high-performance environments. 

You will manage cost planning and control from concept through final account working closely with internal teams contractors and stakeholders to deliver high-value outcomes. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in estimating procurement and financial management with strong knowledge of MEP systems and experience handling complex construction budgets for multi-building campuses.

To be successful in this role you must have great communication skills and be comfortable operating in a client-facing role.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management across all project phases ensuring alignment with scope budget and schedule.
• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates leveraging industry benchmarks and technical documentation.
• Produce and present monthly cost reports executive summaries and financial updates to stakeholders.
• Manage change control processes including review and negotiation of change orders and post-contract cost variances.
• Oversee contractor and subcontractor pricing reviews scope validation and procurement strategy development.
• Collaborate with design teams general contractors and vendors to validate cost estimates and perform quantity surveying.
• Drive continuous improvement in cost management practices supporting standardization and best-in-class delivery.
• Support cost risk analysis and scenario planning for multi-phase programs.
• Monitor market trends and provide insights on escalation labor availability and material pricing.
• Develop strategies for cost optimization and value engineering.
• Coordinate with scheduling teams to align cost forecasts with project timelines.
• Track and report on cash flow forecasts and commitments to ensure financial accuracy.
• Review and validate invoices against contract terms and approved budgets.
• Maintain accurate cost databases and benchmarking information for future projects.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a high-performance collaborative team culture.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial systems regulatory requirements and SOX controls where applicable.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients vendors and project teams to support successful project delivery.

Qualifications :

 

• Bachelors degree in Construction Management Quantity Surveying Engineering or a related field.
• 57 years of experience in cost management or project controls ideally within large-scale mission-critical environments (e.g. data centers high-tech industrial).
• Proven experience in construction consultancy is preferred.
• Strong background in budgeting financial reporting cost control systems and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Expertise in procurement strategies and 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 attention to detail.
• Proficiency in industry-standard cost management tools and software.

Additional Information :

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our clients 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.

Please find out more about us at and your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited by the Recruitment Team to submit candidates for review. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time