Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend-posted 19 days ago
Full-time • Mid Level
Onsite • Chicago, IL
5,001-10,000 employees
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Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager or Quantity Surveyor to drive cost management for a large-scale, mission-critical data center program in the Chicago metropolitan area. These projects involve multi-phase construction of advanced facilities designed to expand cloud and AI infrastructure, with significant investment in MEP systems and high-performance environments. You will manage cost planning and control from concept through final account, working closely with internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders to deliver high-value outcomes. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in estimating, procurement, and financial management, with strong knowledge of MEP systems and experience handling complex construction budgets for multi-building campuses. To be successful in this role you must have great communication skills and be comfortable operating in a client-facing role.

  • Lead cost management across all project phases, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and schedule.
  • Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates, leveraging industry benchmarks and technical documentation.
  • Produce and present monthly cost reports, executive summaries, and financial updates to stakeholders.
  • Manage change control processes, including review and negotiation of change orders and post-contract cost variances.
  • Oversee contractor and subcontractor pricing reviews, scope validation, and procurement strategy development.
  • Collaborate with design teams, general contractors, and vendors to validate cost estimates and perform quantity surveying.
  • Drive continuous improvement in cost management practices, supporting standardization and best-in-class delivery.
  • Support cost risk analysis and scenario planning for multi-phase programs.
  • Monitor market trends and provide insights on escalation, labor availability, and material pricing.
  • Develop strategies for cost optimization and value engineering.
  • Coordinate with scheduling teams to align cost forecasts with project timelines.
  • Track and report on cash flow forecasts and commitments to ensure financial accuracy.
  • Review and validate invoices against contract terms and approved budgets.
  • Maintain accurate cost databases and benchmarking information for future projects.
  • Mentor junior team members and contribute to a high-performance, collaborative team culture.
  • Ensure compliance with internal financial systems, regulatory requirements, and SOX controls where applicable.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and project teams to support successful project delivery.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5–7+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, ideally within large-scale, mission-critical environments (e.g., data centers, high-tech, industrial).
  • Strong background in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
  • Expertise in procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in industry-standard cost management tools and software.
  • Proven experience in construction consultancy is preferred.
  • RICS accreditation or progress toward certification is advantageous.
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