Project Director Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Seattle, WA

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

Turner & Townsend are seeking a Project Director level Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to join our Seattle, WA team and lead the successful delivery of a large‑scale, mission‑critical data center program. This senior leadership role will oversee end‑to‑end cost management services across multiple phases, ensuring commercial rigor, governance, and alignment with program objectives. As Project Director, you will guide a high‑performing cost management team, resolve complex delivery challenges, and implement best‑practice methodologies throughout the project lifecycle. This is a highly visible, client‑facing position requiring exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership and direction while championing Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and vision. You will manage both internal and external partners, drive accountability, and ensure consistent, high‑quality cost management delivery across the program. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, with three days per week in our Seattle office and remote flexibility for the remaining days.

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) is required.
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.
Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial.
Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques.

Nice To Haves

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.