Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to serve as the day-to-day client interface on a major, mission-critical hyperscale data center construction project. The role delivers cost management services to meet client objectives and requires strong communication skills, confidence in a client-facing position, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. The successful candidate will provide leadership and direction while promoting Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and vision. The project site is approximately 25 miles west of Aurora in Grundy County. The position has a hybrid schedule, with an expected on-site presence three days per week, subject to project phase and client requirements. The role includes cost planning and estimating, commercial and change management, contractor negotiations, cost reporting, financial management, and mentoring. On-site requirements may change based on client needs. The stated base salary range is $135,000–$165,000 USD; employees may also be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or a construction-related field.
At least 5–7 years of relevant experience in a construction-industry cost management role.
Experience leading cost management on medium- or large-sized construction projects of medium to high complexity.
Good knowledge of construction-industry technical matters, including procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work in a client-facing role, independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

RICS accreditation or progress toward RICS accreditation.
Construction consultancy experience.
Experience supporting data center, mission-critical, industrial, or similar large-scale infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
Provide estimates and cost planning, including producing and presenting the final cost plan.
Review and participate with the design services team and general contractor in developing cost estimates.
Reconcile changes and assist the general contractor in ensuring cost data is accurate.
Communicate with or meet the general contractor and project owner or manager to gather status information for cost estimate updates.
Prepare written comments on general contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
Coordinate cost information from sources such as NPA, subcontractors, and quantities from architects and engineers.
Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
Work proactively with minimal supervision to resolve scheduling issues.
Manage cost checks and valuations on larger projects, completing them accurately and on time.
Manage post-contract cost variances and change-control processes.
Manage cost impact, contingency, and commitment-tracking logs.
Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate value-engineering sessions with stakeholders.
Develop cost plans and estimates through the design phase and deliver updates at appropriate design milestones.
Provide commercial input to design optioneering and value-engineering exercises.
Review contractor and subcontractor pricing and lead client-side negotiations to achieve fair contract prices.
Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and change-management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
Ensure cost auditing and valuation work is managed effectively and that robust cost-validation processes are in place.
Produce monthly cost reports for presentation to the client.
Negotiate and agree final accounts in a timely manner.
Compile built-cost estimate records for benchmarking.
Identify, coach, and mentor talent, helping colleagues realize their potential and recognizing their success.
Provide leadership and service delivery on commissions in accordance with the conditions of appointment.
Use internal software to track commission margins and monthly fee and resource forecasts, and prepare financial reports.
Implement and maintain internal Business Management Systems, delivery methodologies, and tools to support consistent best-practice delivery.
Promote a one-business culture that balances the needs of employees, clients, stakeholders, and society.
Adhere to applicable SOX control responsibilities.