Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Columbus, OH

15d•Onsite

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to provide strategic leadership and commercial 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 cost planning, budgeting, procurement strategy, and risk management across multiple packages and phases, ensuring compliance and alignment with program objectives. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, deliver executive-level reporting, and drive value engineering initiatives to optimize design and reduce costs. This is an opportunity to lead cost management on one of the most significant technology infrastructure programs in the region.

Requirements

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., data centers, industrial, energy infrastructure).
Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems at program level.
Strong knowledge of procurement strategies, commercial management, and construction contracts.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
Proficiency in industry-standard cost management tools and software.
Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

RICS accreditation or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.
Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial.
Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques.
Knowledge of sustainability considerations and energy infrastructure is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead cost management strategy and governance across multi-phase data center programs, ensuring compliance and alignment with client objectives.
Develop and implement cost frameworks for multi-billion-dollar budgets, including early-stage estimates, detailed cost plans, procurement strategies, and risk mitigation.
Serve as the primary client interface, maintaining strong communication with stakeholders and consultants throughout all project stages.
Advise on commercial strategy, procurement models, and contract negotiations for complex packages, including MEP and energy infrastructure.
Oversee full lifecycle cost management activities: quantity surveying, cost controls, change management, and contingency tracking.
Deliver executive-level reporting on cost performance, forecasts, and risk assessments.
Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or performance.
Mentor and develop cost management teams, ensuring capability growth and succession planning.
Enhance internal cost management tools, templates, and processes for continuous improvement.
Manage financial performance, including margin tracking, fee/resource forecasts, and compliance with internal systems.
Support preconstruction activities, feasibility studies, and early-stage cost modeling for future phases.
Build strong relationships with clients, contractors, and vendors, acting as a trusted advisor and identifying opportunities for business growth.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.