Senior Cost Manager / Estimator - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Miami, FL

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Estimator to support a major data center client with cost management services throughout the project lifecycle. This client-facing role covers pre-contract estimating and post-contract cost management, from early planning and budgeting through construction and final closeout. The successful candidate will lead commercial discussions with clients and stakeholders and contribute to successful project delivery. The role includes cost planning, estimating, forecasting, cost reporting, change management, procurement support, project financial monitoring, commercial risk management, and project closeout. It also involves maintaining cost databases and benchmarks, mentoring junior professionals, contributing to continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with internal controls, delivery methodologies, and governance requirements. SOX control responsibilities may apply. On-site presence and requirements may change depending on client needs. Turner & Townsend describes its work environment as healthy, productive, flexible, and respectful of work-life balance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related construction field.
Minimum 5–7 years of construction-industry experience in cost management, quantity surveying, estimating, or commercial management, including both pre-contract estimating and post-contract cost management.
Experience supporting mission-critical data center construction projects.
Experience delivering full lifecycle cost management from planning and procurement through construction, change management, forecasting, and project closeout.
Experience preparing and reviewing cost reports, managing change orders, forecasting final costs, and administering post-contract commercial processes during construction.
Experience reviewing estimates, contractor pricing, and change orders, and participating in commercial negotiations.
Knowledge of construction procurement strategies, value engineering, cost control, and risk management principles.
Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and client-facing skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in active operational environments.
Construction consultancy experience.
RICS accreditation or progress toward chartership.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage project budgets, cost plans, forecasts, and benchmark analyses throughout the project lifecycle.
Prepare and present cost reports, commercial updates, and financial analyses to project stakeholders and senior leadership.
Lead cost planning, estimating reviews, and budget validation from project initiation through completion.
Support procurement, including bid package development, contractor selection, proposal evaluation and leveling, and commercial recommendations.
Review contractor and subcontractor pricing, proposals, and change order requests.
Provide full lifecycle cost management from pre-construction through construction, closeout, and final account settlement.
Manage post-contract cost activities, including cost reporting, change management, contractor pay application reviews, forecasting, contingency management, and final account negotiations.
Monitor project expenditures, commitments, contingency utilization, and forecast final costs.
Monitor and report project financial performance during construction, identifying cost variances, risks, trends, and mitigation strategies.
Perform cost checks, valuations, benchmarking exercises, and budget reconciliations.
Collaborate with project teams to identify value engineering and cost optimization opportunities.
Maintain oversight of project cash flow forecasting and financial reporting.
Support commercial risk management, including contingency planning, cost risk assessments, and contract compliance reviews.
Assist with resolving commercial issues, claims, and disputes while minimizing project risk exposure.
Review project controls documentation and ensure alignment between scope, schedule, and budget objectives.
Produce monthly cost reports and participate in client and project team meetings.
Manage project financial closeout, including final account negotiations and vendor settlements.
Maintain cost databases and benchmarking information for future project planning and delivery.
Mentor junior cost management professionals and contribute to team development.
Support continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of best practices across project delivery.
Ensure compliance with internal controls, delivery methodologies, and governance requirements.
Model a one-business culture and deliver successful outcomes for clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
Adhere to applicable SOX control responsibilities.