Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Frederick, MD

40d•$140,000 - $160,000•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 major campus in Frederick, Maryland. The role is primarily remote and is open to candidates anywhere on the East Coast with strong data center cost management experience. Travel to the project site is required for key activities, with an approximate onsite expectation of 3–4 days per month; approved business travel and mileage expenses are reimbursed. The position ensures projects are delivered on time and within budget through robust commercial controls, cost planning, forecasting, procurement, change management, and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will work independently while coordinating with project controls, scheduling, engineering, design, contractors, vendors, and client stakeholders. The role also includes executive-level reporting, mentoring junior team members, financial management, and compliance with company delivery methodologies and applicable SOX controls.

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 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 with 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, the general contractor, subcontractors, and vendor quotes 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 and coordinate with project controls and scheduling teams.
Inform engineering priorities based on cost impact and lead value engineering initiatives and cost optimization strategies.
Monitor market trends, including escalation, labor availability, and material pricing, and provide timely insights.
Serve as the primary client interface and ensure objectives and service expectations are met.
Prepare and present executive-level updates, written comments on general contractor submissions, and cost estimate revisions.
Ensure adherence to 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 Frederick, Maryland, for major project activities and periodic onsite support, approximately 3–4 days per month minimum.