Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor Data Center Construction

Overview

Company 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 peoples lives. We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the worlds 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.

Job Description

Lead Cost Manager is sought to oversee cost management for a large-scale, mission-critical data center construction program. This leadership role requires advanced technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to guide teams and influence stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. We are open to considering strong Senior Cost Managers or Associate Director-level professionals for this position.

This role takes ownership of cost management across the full project lifecycle, ensuring delivery within budget while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. You will lead client-facing engagements, mentor team members, and drive best practices in cost planning and control. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, with three days per week in our Phoenix office and remote flexibility for the remaining days.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management activities throughout the project lifecycle, including early-stage budgeting, estimating, cost control, and change management through to final account closeout.
• Develop and present detailed cost plans, budgets, and estimates aligned with project scope and objectives.
• Prepare and deliver accurate monthly cost reports, forecasts, and executive-level presentations.
• Maintain benchmarking data, historical cost records, and lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Review design development and contractor pricing, providing commercial input and leading negotiations to ensure fair and competitive contract pricing.
• Provide strategic advice on procurement strategies, bid analysis, and contract administration.
• Oversee contingency tracking, commitment logs, and cost impact reporting across multiple packages or phases.
• Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate with project controls and scheduling teams to align cost forecasts with progress updates.
• Mentor and coach junior team members, fostering professional development and best practices.
• Contribute to the enhancement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial systems, client-specific requirements, and regulatory controls.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 812 years of progressive experience in cost management or a related discipline, including leadership responsibilities.
• Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and change management.
• Strong knowledge of procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
• Proficiency in industry-standard cost management tools and software.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Experience managing large-scale, mission-critical projects (data centers, high-tech, industrial) is advantageous but not required.
• Experience with MEP systems is desirable.
• RICS accreditation or progress toward it is advantageous.
• Consultancy experience is desirable.

Additional Information

On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our clients needs.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Please note: All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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