Associate Director – Cost Management – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend-posted 22 days ago

Full-time • Director

Onsite • Columbus, OH

5,001-10,000 employees

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Turner & Townsend are looking for an Associate Director of Cost Management to lead commercial strategy and cost governance for a large-scale, multi-phase data center development program. This position is based onsite approximately one hour east of Columbus, Ohio, in Conesville. Per diem is available for candidates commuting from Franklin County (or the Columbus area), with mileage reimbursement provided. Candidates must be onsite at least 3 days per week. This role will oversee budgeting, cost planning, procurement strategy, and risk management across multiple packages and phases, ensuring compliance and alignment with program objectives. You will provide executive-level reporting, advise on contracting and procurement models, and drive value engineering initiatives to optimize design and reduce costs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in cost management for complex construction programs, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. You will mentor and develop high-performing teams, enhance internal processes, and act as a trusted advisor throughout the project lifecycle. This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering one of the most significant technology infrastructure programs in the region.

Provide strategic leadership for cost management across multi-phase data center programs, ensuring governance, compliance, and alignment with organizational standards.
Develop and implement cost strategies, frameworks, and reporting structures for multi-billion-dollar budgets, including early-stage budgeting, detailed cost planning, procurement strategy, and risk mitigation.
Act as the primary client interface, maintaining strong communication with stakeholders and consultants throughout all project stages.
Advise senior stakeholders on commercial strategy, procurement models, and contract negotiations for complex packages involving energy infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.
Oversee full lifecycle cost management activities, including quantity surveying, cost controls, change management, and contingency tracking across multiple packages and phases.
Lead executive-level reporting, presenting cost performance, forecasts, and risk assessments to leadership teams.
Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising performance.
Mentor and develop cost management teams, ensuring capability growth, succession planning, and staff performance reviews.
Contribute to the enhancement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes for continuous improvement and best practice implementation.
Manage financial performance, including margin tracking, fee/resource forecasts, and compliance with internal Business Management Systems (BMS).
Support preconstruction activities, feasibility studies, and early-stage cost modeling for future phases.
Build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, contractors, and vendors, acting as a trusted advisor and identifying opportunities for business growth and cross-selling.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
Proven experience managing large-scale, mission-critical construction programs (e.g., hyperscale data centers, energy infrastructure, industrial).
Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems at program level.
Strong knowledge of procurement strategies, commercial management, and construction contracts, including change management and risk allocation.
RICS accreditation or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
Proficiency in industry-standard tools and software for cost management.
Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial.
Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques.
Knowledge of energy infrastructure, carbon capture technologies, and sustainability considerations is a plus.

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