Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Madison, WI

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world. Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to oversee lead cost management for a major data center construction project. This role requires expertise across the full project lifecycle, with a primary focus on cost planning, change management, and financial reporting during construction to ensure successful delivery on time and within budget. You’ll be part of our Cost Management team, acting as a trusted advisor to the client and leading cost control efforts across all phases of the project lifecycle.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
6+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with increasing responsibility.
Proven track record managing large-scale, mission-critical construction projects.
Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, post-contract cost control, change management, and financial reporting.
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 strong attention to detail.
Proficiency in industry-standard cost management tools and software.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with MEP systems and sustainable infrastructure is beneficial.
RICS accreditation or progress toward it is advantageous.

Responsibilities

Lead cost management activities from early-stage budgeting and procurement through post-contract cost control and final account closeout.
Develop and present detailed cost plans, estimates, and budgets aligned with project scope and objectives.
Oversee cost control processes during construction, monitoring actual costs against forecasts, identifying variances, and implementing corrective actions.
Review, validate, and negotiate change orders, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with contractual terms.
Manage contingency tracking, commitments, and cost impacts across multiple packages or phases.
Prepare and deliver detailed cost reports, forecasts, and executive-level presentations for stakeholders.
Provide strategic advice on procurement strategies, bid analysis, and contractor negotiations.
Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities.
Ensure compliance with internal financial systems, client-specific requirements, and regulatory controls.
Maintain benchmarking data, historical cost records, and lessons learned for continuous improvement.
Mentor junior team members and contribute to internal process improvements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal teams.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.