Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend • Chicago, IL

9d • $100,000 - $130,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to join their Chicago data center team. This role will support a significant new data center construction project, contributing to one of Michigan's largest construction programs. The position involves full-lifecycle cost management for a major, multi-building campus program, including estimating, procurement, cost control, reporting, and final account closeout for a high-value, complex construction portfolio. The role requires monthly travel to the project site in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or field related to construction.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant cost management experience in the construction industry.
• Experience supporting cost management on medium or large-sized construction projects.
• Good knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
• Strong communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• RICS accredited or working towards it is valuable.
• Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise the client on procurement and contracting strategies tailored to large-scale data center construction.
• Manage vendor prequalification, evaluate bids and proposals, prepare bid leveling, and make final recommendations.
• Lead and participate in vendor interviews, support contract negotiation, and oversee the appointment process.
• Develop detailed construction cost estimates for large data center facilities, including structure, fit-out, MEP, sitework, and associated costs.
• Review and refine estimates prepared by junior team members, ensuring accuracy and alignment with benchmark data.
• Present estimates, value engineering options, and risk assessments to the client.
• Engage with contractors and suppliers to validate cost inputs and challenge assumptions where needed.
• Establish and maintain the cost reporting schedule for the program.
• Prepare, review, and present cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and budget updates.
• Maintain and update the commercial risk register and support regular cost review meetings with the broader project team.
• Benchmark performance and costs against similar data center commissions.
• Review and assess contractor payment applications, collaborating closely with project managers to determine entitlement.
• Evaluate change order requests, negotiate cost impacts, and prepare recommendations for client approval.
• Use dispute avoidance and resolution procedures to support smooth financial administration and mitigate potential conflicts.
• Manage and monitor invoicing processes for accuracy and compliance.
• Lead the final accounting process, post-contract audits, and financial closeout activities.
• Conduct post-contract reviews with the client and prepare lessons-learned documentation.
• Develop and refine procedures governing handover and closeout of major construction packages.
• Utilize key tools, including bid analysis sheets, change control forms, takeoff software, and cost-estimating systems to support all cost management functions.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Benefits

• Bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Great place to work
• Opportunity and voice to affect change
• Support for success in work and life
• Healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level