Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Cheyenne, WY

38d•Onsite

About The Position

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to lead cost management for one of the largest hyperscale AI data center developments in the United States. This multi-phase campus is planned to scale up to multi-gigawatt capacity, integrating advanced energy strategies, fiber connectivity, and carbon capture solutions. The role offers an opportunity to work on a project of unprecedented scale and complexity, supporting AI workloads for leading technology firms. This position will focus on managing the full lifecycle of cost control for a multi-phase hyperscale campus, including early-stage budgeting, detailed cost planning, procurement strategy, and risk mitigation. This is a client-facing role requiring close collaboration with design teams, contractors, and stakeholders to deliver cost certainty and optimize value across multiple packages and phases.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field.
6–10+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with increasing responsibility.
Proven experience managing large-scale, mission-critical construction projects (e.g., hyperscale data centers, energy infrastructure, industrial).
Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems.
Strong knowledge of procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
Proficiency in industry-standard tools and software for cost management.
Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial.
Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
Strong understanding of construction contracts, change management processes, and risk allocation.
Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques.

Nice To Haves

RICS accreditation or working toward it is advantageous.
Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Lead full lifecycle cost management activities on large-scale hyperscale data center construction projects, from early-stage budgeting through final account closeout.
Develop and present detailed cost plans, estimates, and budgets aligned with project scope and client objectives.
Oversee cost control processes, monitor actuals vs. forecasts, identify variances, and implement corrective actions.
Review and negotiate change orders, ensuring proper documentation and cost validation.
Provide strategic advice on procurement strategies, bid analysis, and contractor negotiations.
Prepare and deliver executive-level cost reports, forecasts, and presentations to clients and senior stakeholders.
Manage contingency tracking, commitments, and cost impacts across multiple packages or phases.
Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities.
Maintain benchmarking data, historical cost records, and lessons learned for continuous improvement.
Contribute to the enhancement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal teams.
Collaborate closely with project managers, architects, engineers, and general contractors to ensure cost control and efficient project execution.
Participate in risk workshops and proactively identify financial risks, developing mitigation strategies.
Support preconstruction activities, feasibility studies, and early-stage cost modeling for future phases.
Coordinate with energy infrastructure partners and understand cost implications of natural gas power strategies, renewable integration, and carbon capture systems.
Manage cost considerations for fiber connectivity and large-scale land development in remote regions.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.