Project Director – Cost Management – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

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 seeking a Project Director – Cost Management to lead the successful delivery of a large-scale, multi-phase data center construction 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 take full accountability for cost governance and commercial strategy while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will oversee cost planning, procurement, and risk management at program level, while driving collaboration across stakeholders and contractors to achieve seamless execution. As Project Director, you will manage multiple phases concurrently, resolve complex delivery challenges, and maintain alignment with program objectives. You will lead senior cost management teams, implement best practices, and ensure governance and compliance throughout the lifecycle. This is a high-impact leadership role with responsibility for delivering 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.
12+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with significant leadership experience at program level.
Proven track record managing large-scale, mission-critical construction programs (e.g., hyperscale data centers, energy infrastructure, industrial).
Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems at program level.
Strong knowledge of procurement strategies, commercial management, and construction contracts, including change management and risk allocation.
RICS accreditation or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence at executive level.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
Proficiency in industry-standard tools and software for cost management.
Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial.
Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques.
Knowledge of energy infrastructure, carbon capture technologies, and sustainability considerations is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide executive-level leadership for cost management across all phases of a major data center program, ensuring governance, compliance, and alignment with organizational standards.
Define and implement commercial strategy, cost frameworks, and reporting structures for multi-billion-dollar budgets, including early-stage budgeting, detailed cost planning, procurement strategy, and risk mitigation.
Act as the senior point of contact for stakeholders, maintaining strong communication and transparency throughout all project stages.
Oversee full lifecycle cost management activities, including quantity surveying, cost controls, change management, and contingency tracking across multiple packages and phases.
Lead executive-level reporting, presenting cost performance, forecasts, and risk assessments to leadership teams and influencing strategic decisions.
Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising performance or quality.
Mentor and develop senior cost management leaders, ensuring capability growth, succession planning, and staff performance reviews.
Contribute to the enhancement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes for continuous improvement and best practice implementation.
Manage financial performance, including margin tracking, fee/resource forecasts, and compliance with internal Business Management Systems (BMS).
Support preconstruction activities, feasibility studies, and early-stage cost modeling for future phases.
Build strategic relationships with clients, stakeholders, contractors, and vendors, acting as a trusted advisor and identifying opportunities for business growth and cross-selling.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.