Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•San Jose, CA

6d•$140,000 - $170,000

About The Position

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to serve as the key day‑to‑day client interface, delivering a high‑value cost management service that meets project and client objectives. The role sits within a region experiencing significant large‑scale development, including multi‑acre programs and complex building infrastructure. Current activity in North San Jose reflects substantial growth in the construction pipeline, with major sites advancing through planning and delivery. Candidates should be comfortable supporting projects of this scale and complexity. Success in this position requires strong communication skills and confidence in a client‑facing environment. The ideal candidate is self‑motivated, driven, and effective both independently and as part of a team. You will provide leadership and direction while promoting Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and vision.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or a related field.
5–7+ years of relevant experience in cost management within the construction industry.
Experience leading cost management for medium‑ to large‑scale projects with moderate to high complexity.
Strong preference for candidates with construction consultancy experience.
Solid understanding of construction technical matters, including procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
Excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Data center or related mission‑critical project experience is preferred.
RICS accreditation or active progress toward it is preferred.

Responsibilities

Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
Provide estimating and cost planning, including producing and presenting final cost plans.
Review and collaborate with design teams and contractors on the development of cost estimates.
Reconcile changes and support contractors to ensure accuracy of cost data.
Meet with contractors and project teams to gather status updates and prepare cost estimate revisions.
Prepare written commentary on contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
Coordinate all sources of cost information for cost discussions, including supplier and quantity data.
Inform and guide engineering priorities based on cost impact.
Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve scheduling issues.
Manage cost checks and valuations on large projects; execute timely, accurate cost‑checking processes.
Support post‑contract cost variance analysis and change control processes.
Manage cost impacts, contingency tracking, and commitment logs.
Prepare funding data and coordinate value‑engineering sessions with stakeholders.
Develop cost plans and estimates throughout design, issuing updates at key milestones.
Provide commercial input for design optioneering and value engineering.
Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations to ensure fair contract pricing.
Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and change management throughout the project lifecycle.
Ensure post‑contract cost variances and change control processes are effectively managed.
Oversee cost auditing, valuation work, and cost‑validation procedures.
Produce monthly cost reports for client presentation.
Ensure timely negotiation and agreement of final accounts.
Compile built‑cost records for benchmarking.
Identify, coach, and mentor team members; celebrate individual and team successes.
Demonstrate excellence in leadership and service delivery in line with commission conditions.
Track margins, fee forecasts, and resource planning using internal tools.
Implement and maintain internal business management systems, methodologies, and best practices.
Role‑model a “one business” culture balancing outcomes for people, clients, stakeholders, and society.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.