Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

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.


Responsibilities

• 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.