Senior Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

Senior Cost Manager

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Cost Manager to support cost governance and commercial management for a large-scale, multi-phase data center development program. This position is based onsite approximately one hour east of Columbus, Ohio, in Conesville. Per diem is available for candidates commuting from Franklin County (or the Columbus area), with mileage reimbursement provided. Candidates must be onsite at least three days per week. This role will focus on cost planning, budgeting, procurement support, and risk management across multiple packages and phases, ensuring compliance with program objectives. You will deliver accurate reporting, assist with procurement and contracting strategies, and contribute to value engineering initiatives to optimize design and reduce costs. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in cost management for complex construction programs, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders. You will work closely with leadership teams, support junior staff development, and help drive best practices throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Act as the day-to-day client interface, maintaining clear communication and building strong relationships with clients, contractors, and vendors.
• Manage cost planning and budgeting for multi-phase data center projects, ensuring alignment with governance and compliance standards.
• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates throughout the design phase, updating at key milestones.
• Prepare and present final cost plans, monthly cost reports, forecasts, and funding data presentations.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing, lead negotiations, and ensure fair contract pricing.
• Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Manage cost checks, valuations, and change control processes, including contingency tracking and commitment logs.
• Reconcile changes and validate contractor data for accuracy.
• Coordinate all sources of cost information for cost discussions, including suppliers, subcontractors, and design teams.
• Provide commercial input to design optioneering and lead value engineering sessions to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and risk management across multiple packages and phases.
• Ensure robust cost auditing and validation processes are in place.
• Support procurement strategy development and contract administration.
• Participate in preconstruction activities, feasibility studies, and early-stage cost modeling for future phases.
• Compile built cost estimate records for benchmarking purposes.
• Mentor and coach junior team members, promoting capability growth and succession planning.
• Support continuous improvement by contributing to internal tools, templates, and process enhancements.
• Utilize internal systems for margin tracking, fee / resource forecasting, and compliance with Business Management Systems (BMS).
• Implement and maintain company delivery methodologies and tools for consistent best practice.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field. Seven+ years of experience in cost management or quantity surveying, ideally in construction consultancy. Proven experience managing medium-to-large, complex construction projects (hyperscale data centers, industrial, energy infrastructure). Strong knowledge of cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems. Familiarity with procurement strategies, commercial management, and construction contracts. RICS accreditation or working toward it preferred. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail. Proficiency in industry-standard cost management tools and software. Understanding of MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial. Ability to manage multiple packages concurrently in a fast-paced environment. Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques. Knowledge of sustainability considerations and energy infrastructure is a plus.

Additional Information

The salary range for this full-time role is $130K-$160K 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.