Senior Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

Senior Cost Manager

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to lead cost management on a major data center campus project in Wisconsin. This development includes multiple large-scale facilities designed to support advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, making it one of the most significant construction efforts in the region. As a Senior Cost Manager, you will take ownership of cost planning, estimating, procurement, and reporting throughout the project lifecycle. You'll provide strategic guidance to clients, mentor junior team members, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders are essential. This is a hybrid role with regular on-site visits required approximately 35 miles west of North Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of cost management activities on large-scale data center construction projects, from early-stage budgeting through final account closeout.
• Develop and present detailed cost plans, estimates, and budgets aligned with project scope and client objectives.
• Oversee cost control processes, monitor actuals vs. forecasts, identify variances, and implement corrective actions.
• Review and negotiate change orders, ensuring proper documentation and cost validation.
• Provide strategic advice on procurement strategies, bid analysis, and contractor negotiations.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level cost reports, forecasts, and presentations to clients and senior stakeholders.
• Manage contingency tracking, commitments, and cost impacts across multiple packages or phases.
• Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial systems, client-specific requirements, and regulatory controls.
• Maintain benchmarking data, historical cost records, and lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Mentor and support junior cost management staff, fostering professional development.
• Contribute to the enhancement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal teams.
• SOX control responsibilities may apply and must be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field. Six to ten plus years of experience in cost management or project controls, with increasing responsibility. Proven experience managing large-scale, mission-critical construction projects (e.g., data centers, high-tech, industrial). Consultancy experience strongly preferred. Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems. Strong knowledge of procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor / vendor contracts. RICS accreditation or working toward it is advantageous. Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills. Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail. Proficiency in industry-standard tools and software for cost management. Familiarity with MEP systems is beneficial.

Additional Information

The salary range for this full-time role is $130K-$150K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate's experience and qualifications.