Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Frederick, MD

2d•Remote

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to serve as the primary client-facing cost management lead for a large-scale, mission-critical data center program supporting a campus in Frederick, Maryland. The role is responsible for helping deliver projects on time and within budget while maintaining strong commercial controls and stakeholder engagement. Candidates may be based anywhere on the East Coast, provided they have data center cost management experience and can travel to the site as required. The role is primarily remote, with approximately 3–4 days per month onsite for project activities; approved business travel and mileage expenses are reimbursed. The successful candidate will lead cost planning and controls through design and delivery, procurement and commercial management, change control, risk and contingency management, and cost optimization. They will coordinate cost information from design teams, general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors; produce reports and executive updates; and act as the principal client interface. The role also includes mentoring junior colleagues, supporting company delivery systems, and managing financial performance, including margin tracking and monthly fee and resource forecasting. SOX control responsibilities may apply where relevant. Turner & Townsend describes its work as professional services across real estate, infrastructure, energy, and natural resources, including program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero, and digital solutions. The company promotes a flexible working environment that supports work-life balance and is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. The stated base salary range is $140,000–$160,000, with potential eligibility for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
5–7+ years of cost management experience supporting mission-critical data center projects.
Strong expertise in cost planning, forecasting, change management, procurement, and project controls.
Ability to travel to the Frederick, Maryland project site as needed, including for major project events and approximately 3–4 onsite days per month.
Solid understanding of MEP systems, resilience considerations, and campus-scale infrastructure common to hyperscale developments.
Strong foundation in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
Expertise in procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor and vendor contracts.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and high attention to detail.
Proficiency with industry-standard cost management tools and software.
Ability to work effectively remotely while maintaining strong engagement with onsite project teams and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
RICS accreditation or progress toward certification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates through design and delivery, using industry benchmarks and technical documentation.
Produce and present monthly cost reports, executive summaries, and funding data to stakeholders.
Coordinate cost information from design teams, general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors for cost validation and auditing.
Compile built cost records for benchmarking and continuous improvement.
Lead procurement strategy development, contractor and subcontractor pricing reviews, scope validation, and commercial negotiations.
Manage final accounts and ensure timely agreement.
Lead change control throughout the project lifecycle, including reviewing, estimating, negotiating, and reconciling change orders and managing post-contract cost variances.
Support cost risk analysis, scenario planning, contingency management, and commitment tracking.
Maintain robust cost control systems, including Earned Value Management (EVM) where applicable.
Integrate cost with schedule and scope, coordinating with project controls and scheduling teams.
Inform engineering priorities based on cost impact and lead value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.
Monitor market trends, including escalation, labor availability, and material pricing, and provide timely insights.
Serve as the primary client interface and ensure client objectives and service expectations are met.
Prepare and present executive-level updates, written comments on general contractor submissions, and revised cost estimates.
Follow internal Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies.
Mentor and coach junior team members and foster a high-performance, one-business culture.
Manage financial performance, including margin tracking and monthly fee and resource forecasting.
Adhere to applicable SOX control responsibilities.
Travel to the Frederick, Maryland project site for major project activities and periodic onsite support, approximately 3–4 days per month minimum; approved business travel and mileage expenses are reimbursed.