Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Columbus, OH

4h•$120,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Cost Manager / Senior Quantity Surveyor to join our data center team and support a major multi‑site, multi‑phase data center construction program for a high-profile tech client in Columbus, Ohio. This role is pivotal in ensuring the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards, with strong emphasis on governance, commercial rigor, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in a client-facing environment, communicate clearly, and can work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. In this significant position, you will provide leadership and direction while embedding and promoting the purpose, values, and vision of Turner & Townsend.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field; graduate degree preferred.
3–6 years of experience in cost management or project controls within the construction industry, ideally supporting medium to large-scale projects (data centers, high-tech, industrial preferred).
Strong knowledge of cost management processes, including change order review, pay application validation, cash flow forecasting, and cost reporting.
Familiarity with procurement strategies, commercial management of contracts, and different procurement routes; exposure to value engineering and risk management.
Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications for cost analysis; knowledge of MEP systems beneficial.
Proficiency in cost management tools and software; strong Excel and data analysis skills for detailed cost modeling.
Excellent communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills; comfortable working in fast-paced environments with multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
RICS accreditation or progress toward certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Support and manage cost control activities across large-scale, multi-phase data center construction projects.
Develop and maintain cost plans, estimates, budgets, and cash flow forecasts aligned with project scope and timelines.
Monitor cost performance, track actuals vs. forecasts, and report variances; maintain historical cost data for benchmarking.
Review and validate change orders and payment applications, ensuring proper documentation, compliance, and cost justification.
Assist with procurement strategies, bid analysis, vendor prequalification, and contractor negotiations; prepare bid leveling documents and manage appointment processes.
Prepare and present cost reports, forecasts, and executive-level dashboards; support monthly progress reports and client presentations.
Track contingencies, commitments, and cost impacts across packages or phases; contribute to value engineering and design optimization initiatives.
Support risk analysis and mitigation planning for cost-related impacts; maintain and update commercial risk registers.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, build strong stakeholder relationships, and participate in governance meetings.
Help implement and improve cost management tools, templates, and reporting standards; ensure compliance with internal financial systems and regulatory requirements.
Manage final accounting processes, post-contract audits, and lessons-learned reviews; contribute to continuous improvement and training documentation.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.