Senior Cost Manager – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend • Phoenix, AZ

14d

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Cost Manager to lead cost management for complex, mission-critical data center construction programs in Arizona’s West Valley. These are large-scale, multi-phase campus projects for a major technology client, with a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. The work is fast-paced and highly technical, involving complex building systems and significant infrastructure, and plays a critical role in supporting global technology growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years in cost management or project controls within mission-critical or large-scale construction (data centers, high-tech, industrial).
• Consultancy experience with a strong track record in budgeting, cost control, financial reporting, and governance.
• Solid understanding of MEP systems, resilience requirements, and campus-scale infrastructure.
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.
• Experience in procurement and commercial contract management (e.g., GMP, design-build).
• Proficiency with industry-standard cost management tools and Excel.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• RICS accreditation (MRICS) or progress toward accreditation is a plus.
• Experience with phased campus programs and/or knowledge of the Arizona West Valley market is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Own cost strategy and delivery across the project lifecycle; business case, estimates, budgets, forecasts, and final accounts, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, and client objectives.
• Lead change control and governance processes: track change events, assess cost/ schedule impacts, maintain auditable records, and drive timely, high-quality approvals.
• Direct procurement activities: develop procurement strategies, lead scope reviews, run bid evaluations, and provide contract award recommendations (e.g., GMP, design-build).
• Produce executive-ready monthly cost reports: cash flow, commitments, forecasts, variances, risk/contingency, and clear narrative for decision-making.
• Manage benchmarking and market analysis to support accurate estimating and strategic buyout decisions for large campus programs.
• Build strong relationships with client, design, construction, and vendor teams; serve as a primary commercial interface and trusted advisor.
• Coach and mentor junior team members; contribute to tools, templates, and best practices to drive consistency and efficiency across projects.
• Support program goals tied to sustainability, water management, and community impact, aligning cost decisions with long-term operational performance.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

What This Job Offers

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