Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Dallas, TX

15d•Onsite

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Lead Cost Manager to spearhead cost management efforts on complex, mission-critical data center construction projects in the Dallas, TX area. This role is client-facing and pivotal in driving financial performance, strategic alignment, and operational excellence across large-scale programs. You will oversee all aspects of cost planning and control from concept through closeout, while managing a team of cost professionals and collaborating with internal stakeholders, external partners, and clients. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in estimating, procurement, and financial management, with a strong understanding of MEP systems and high-value construction budgets.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with leadership experience in mission-critical environments (e.g., data centers, high-tech, industrial).
Proven track record in construction consultancy and managing high-value projects.
Expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
Strong commercial acumen in procurement and contract management.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Proficiency in industry-standard cost management tools and software.
Experience managing and mentoring teams across multiple projects or geographies.
Ability to interpret complex technical documentation and translate it into actionable financial insights.

Nice To Haves

RICS accreditation or progress toward certification is preferred.
Familiarity with sustainability and ESG considerations in construction cost planning is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead and direct cost management across all phases of data center projects, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and schedule.
Develop and oversee detailed cost plans, estimates, and benchmarking strategies.
Manage change control processes, including negotiation of change orders and resolution of cost variances.
Guide collaboration with design teams, contractors, and vendors to validate estimates and perform quantity surveying.
Present executive-level cost reports and financial updates to clients and senior stakeholders.
Lead contractor pricing reviews, scope validation, and procurement strategy development.
Champion continuous improvement and standardization of cost management practices across projects.
Mentor and manage junior cost managers, fostering a high-performance team culture.
Cultivate strong client relationships and act as a trusted advisor on commercial matters.
Support pre-construction activities including feasibility studies, cost modeling, and risk analysis.
Lead commercial negotiations and contract administration for major packages.
Contribute to business development efforts by supporting proposals, client presentations, and strategic growth initiatives.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.