Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Columbus, OH

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to act as the day‑to‑day client interface on large, multi‑year construction programmes. The role will support the delivery of complex, multi‑building campus developments currently under construction across several locations within a single regional portfolio. The successful candidate will ensure client objectives are met through the delivery of a value‑added cost management service, working closely with contractors, designers, and stakeholders across multiple workstreams and project phases. This is a client‑facing leadership role, requiring strong communication skills, sound commercial judgment, and the ability to operate independently while contributing effectively as part of a wider programme team. You will play a key role in embedding and promoting the purpose, values, and vision of Turner & Townsend across the commission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or a related field
Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in a cost management or quantity surveying role within the construction industry
Experience leading cost management services on medium to large, complex construction projects
Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred
Knowledge of procurement strategies, value management, and value engineering

Nice To Haves

RICS accreditation or active progress toward chartership preferred

Responsibilities

Provide end‑to‑end cost management services across the construction lifecycle, including cost planning, estimating, valuations, change management, and final account close‑out.
Estimate, review, and negotiate change orders; manage post‑contract cost variances, change control processes, contingency management, and commitment tracking logs.
Prepare, update, and present detailed cost plans and estimates at appropriate design and construction milestones.
Review and collaborate with design teams, general contractors, and project managers in developing, reconciling, and validating cost estimates and financial data.
Coordinate all sources of cost information, including subcontractors, suppliers, NPA inputs, and quantities from architects and engineers.
Prepare written commercial commentary on contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
Perform quantity surveying, cost checks, cost audits, and valuations on larger projects, ensuring timely, accurate, and robust cost validation processes.
Produce monthly cost reports for client presentation and prepare funding data to support forecasting and decision‑making.
Provide commercial input to design optioneering and lead or support value engineering exercises.
Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations on behalf of the client to achieve fair and competitive contract values.
Inform and drive engineering and scheduling priorities based on cost impact, working proactively with minimal supervision to resolve issues.
Compile built‑cost data and benchmarking records for future reference.
Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to junior team members, supporting talent development and celebrating team success.
Ensure excellence in leadership and service delivery in line with the conditions of appointment and Turner & Townsend best practices.
Support financial management activities, including internal fee tracking, margin monitoring, resource forecasting, and reporting using internal systems.
Implement and maintain internal business management systems, delivery methodologies, and tools to ensure consistent, high‑quality client outcomes.
Act as a role model for professional service delivery and collaborative working, promoting a one‑business culture that balances people, clients, stakeholders, and society.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.