Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend • Arlington, VA

13h • Onsite

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager and/or Quantity Surveyor to act as the key, day‑to‑day client interface on a major, multi‑phase campus construction program. The role focuses on delivering a value‑added cost management service across a portfolio of large‑scale retrofit and new‑build projects, including complex structural upgrades, utility‑intensive facilities, and repeatable building typologies delivered at pace. The successful candidate will ensure client objectives are achieved through precise cost planning, active cost control, and clear, consistent stakeholder engagement. This is a highly visible, client‑facing position requiring excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to operate independently while leading within a collaborative, high‑performance environment. You will provide leadership and direction while embedding and promoting the purpose, values, and vision of Turner & Townsend.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in a cost management or quantity surveying role within the construction industry.
• Proven experience leading cost management on medium to large construction projects of moderate to high complexity, ideally within campus or multi‑building environments.
• Construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction delivery, including procurement routes, cost controls, change management, value management, and value engineering.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Detail‑oriented, commercially astute, and capable of working independently within complex project teams.

Nice To Haves

• RICS accreditation or progress toward certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage cost plans and estimates through design and delivery phases, producing updated cost plans at defined design milestones.
• Prepare, present, and maintain the final cost plan, aligned with program phasing, site constraints, and infrastructure scope.
• Review and participate with design teams and general contractors in the development, validation, and reconciliation of estimates.
• Compile built cost records to support benchmarking, forecasting, and continuous program improvement.
• Estimate, negotiate, and reconcile change orders throughout the construction lifecycle, ensuring robust governance and documentation.
• Manage post‑contract cost variances, change control processes, and contingency allocations.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing, validate scope and quantities, and lead negotiations on behalf of the client to drive fair and defensible contract values.
• Ensure final accounts are negotiated and agreed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Carry out cost checks, valuations, and audits on larger and more complex projects, ensuring data accuracy and consistency.
• Produce monthly cost reports, executive summaries, and funding data presentations for client review.
• Maintain commitment tracking logs and manage cost impact reporting across multiple workstreams.
• Ensure robust cost validation processes are in place using inputs from designers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and professional advisors.
• Coordinate cost information across all sources, including drawings, specifications, schedules, and site data.
• Inform and influence engineering and construction priorities based on cost and value considerations.
• Provide commercial input into design optioneering and value engineering exercises, coordinating and supporting VE workshops with stakeholders.
• Work proactively, with minimal supervision, to resolve cost‑ and schedule‑related challenges in a fast‑paced construction environment.
• Act as the primary interface for cost matters, communicating regularly with the client, project managers, and construction teams to gather status and align expectations.
• Prepare formal written commentary on contractor submissions, including executive‑level summaries.
• Identify, coach, and mentor team members, supporting professional development and celebrating success.
• Display excellence in leadership and service delivery on all commissions, aligned with conditions of appointment.
• Ensure compliance with internal Business Management Systems, delivery methodologies, and best‑practice controls.
• Track ongoing margin levels and manage monthly fee and resource forecasts using internal systems.
• Act as a role model for a one‑business culture, balancing outcomes for people, clients, stakeholders, and the wider community.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Benefits

• A great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.
• Support for work-life balance through a healthy, productive and flexible working environment.
• Equal opportunity employer.
• Celebration of diversity and commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
• Confidentiality of all information according to EEO guidelines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees