Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Chicago, IL

21d•$100,000 - $130,000

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world. Turner & Townsend are looking for a Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to join our Chicago data center team and support a massive new data center construction project. The ideal candidate will be driven and promote our Turner & Townsend purpose and values. The role will be based in the Chicago area, and support one of the largest construction programs in Michigan’s history, involving multiple large‑scale facilities and significant regional development activity. Travel to site in Detroit once a month is required. This role will provide full‑lifecycle cost management across a major, multi‑building campus program, coordinating estimating, procurement, cost control, reporting, and final account closeout on a high‑value, complex construction portfolio.

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.
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.
Experience supporting cost management on medium or large‑sized construction projects.
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.