Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Manassas, VA

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to serve as the key day-to-day client interface for a large-scale, hyperscale data center development in Manassas, Virginia. This role supports the cost and commercial management of a complex, multi‑phased data center program delivered within a fast-paced, mission‑critical environment. To be successful in this position, you must have excellent communication skills and be comfortable operating in a client-facing role. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, commercially astute, and capable of working independently while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. You will provide leadership and direction while embedding and promoting Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and vision, delivering consistent, best‑in‑class service across high‑profile mission‑critical programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction discipline.
5–7+ years of relevant experience in a cost management or commercial management role within the construction industry.
Demonstrated experience leading cost and change management on medium to large, technically complex projects, preferably in data centers, mission‑critical facilities, or major infrastructure.
Strong understanding of procurement strategies, contract administration, value management, and value engineering.
Experience implementing and managing formal change control processes and advising clients on commercial risk and mitigation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all stakeholder levels.

Nice To Haves

Construction consultancy background strongly preferred.
RICS accreditation or working toward chartership preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead cost management and change management activities throughout the full construction lifecycle on medium to large, high‑complexity data center projects.
Estimate, evaluate, and negotiate change orders, ensuring timely, accurate assessment of cost, schedule, and risk impacts.
Develop and present cost plans, estimates, and budgets, including final cost plans at key design and construction milestones.
Review and participate with design teams and general contractors in the development and reconciliation of cost estimates.
Manage change control processes, including maintaining change logs, contingency drawdowns, commitment tracking, and cost impact reporting.
Reconcile changes and validate contractor and subcontractor submissions to ensure accuracy and compliance with contractual requirements.
Communicate regularly with the general contractor and owner’s project manager to gather status updates and prepare cost estimate revisions.
Prepare written commercial reviews of contractor submissions, including executive summaries and risk commentary.
Coordinate all sources of cost information, including consultant inputs, subcontractor pricing, supplier quotations, and quantities from architects and engineers.
Inform and drive engineering and design priorities based on cost, constructability, and change implications.
Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve commercial, change, and scheduling challenges.
Manage cost checks, interim valuations, and payment certifications for larger projects.
Ensure post‑contract cost variances and change management procedures are administered effectively and consistently.
Prepare funding forecasts and cost reports; coordinate and participate in value engineering (VE) and cost optimization sessions with stakeholders.
Provide commercial input into design optioneering and value management exercises, particularly in relation to power infrastructure, building systems, and constructability.
Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead negotiations on behalf of the client to achieve fair and commercially sound outcomes.
Produce monthly cost reports for client review, clearly articulating cost movements, changes, risks, and mitigation strategies.
Ensure final accounts are negotiated, agreed, and closed out in a timely manner.
Compile built cost data and benchmarking records to support future data center and mission‑critical projects.
Identify, coach, and mentor team members, fostering growth and recognizing performance.
Demonstrate excellence in leadership and service delivery in line with conditions of appointment.
Financial management responsibilities, including utilizing internal systems to track fees, margins, and resource forecasts.
Implement and maintain internal business management systems, delivery methodologies, and tools to ensure consistent best practice.
Act as a role model in promoting a “one business” culture that balances outcomes for people, clients, stakeholders, and society.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.