Senior Cost Manager - Data Center Construction
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 people's lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world's most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world's 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.
Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor to drive cost management on major, mission-critical data center developments in the Madison County, MS area. These projects represent some of the largest capital investments in the region's history, involving multi-site campuses, advanced sustainability measures, and significant infrastructure upgrades to support next-generation technology.
As a senior member of our team, you will provide strategic leadership and expert guidance throughout the project lifecycle, with a strong emphasis on cost management, change control, and cash flow forecasting. You'll work closely with clients, contractors, and internal teams to ensure delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
Responsibilities :
- Drive cost management across large-scale, multi-phase data center construction projects.
- Manage full lifecycle cost activities from early-stage budgeting through final account closeout.
- Drive strong cost control practices, including :
- Change order management : Review, validate, and negotiate change orders with proper backup documentation.
- Pay application reviews : Assess contractor pay apps for accuracy, compliance, and alignment with project progress.
- Cash flow management and forecasting : Maintain accurate projections and monitor variances.
- 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.
- Provide strategic advice on procurement strategies, bid analysis, and contractor negotiations for complex, high-value packages.
- Prepare and deliver executive-level cost reports, forecasts, and presentations to senior stakeholders.
- Manage contingency tracking, commitments, and cost impacts across multiple packages or phases.
- Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives, including sustainability measures such as water reuse and renewable energy integration.
- 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 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.610+ 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).Expertise in cost management processes, including :Change order review and negotiation.Pay application review and validation.Cash flow forecasting and cost reporting.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.