Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Company Description

From the inception of a project through to completion and beyond, Turner & Townsend help to deliver the outcomes that matter through transformational projects covering the full spectrum of consultancy, project delivery and post-project operations.  

With offices located globally, you're never far away from our services. With over 22,000 specialists in more than 60 countries, we blend local knowledge with global insight to tackle challenges of any scale.    

Our team is dynamic, innovative and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity and the quality we deliver. As a result, our people get to enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world. 

Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking a highly experienced Lead Cost Manager to oversee the financial and commercial delivery of a large-scale, mission-critical data center construction program for a key client in the Dallas, TX area.

This leadership role is responsible for guiding a team of cost professionals and managing all aspects of cost control, contract administration, and commercial strategy from pre-construction through close-out. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in complex infrastructure environments, experience with MEP systems and post-contract cost management.


Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Construction

• Lead the development of detailed cost models and estimates during early design phases, including feasibility and concept development.
• Shape procurement strategies and lead contract negotiations with general contractors and key suppliers.
• Drive value engineering and design optioneering efforts to optimize cost without compromising performance or quality.
• Provide market benchmarking and regional cost intelligence to inform strategic planning and client decision-making.

Construction Phase & Post-Contract

• Oversee project budgets and ensure alignment with approved funding and cost plans.
• Lead cost control activities including change order evaluation, cost checks, and financial impact analysis.
• Review and approve contractor pay applications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
• Deliver monthly cost reports with budget status, risk assessments, and forecasts to senior stakeholders.
• Manage project cash flows, including Construction in Place (CIP) reporting for finance teams.
• Administer commercial change management processes and ensure accurate documentation and reconciliation.
• Conduct audits and contingency analysis to manage commercial risks and ensure financial integrity.
• Ensure accurate financial close-out of projects, including vendor settlements and lessons learned documentation.
• Lead negotiations and validate contractor and subcontractor pricing.
• Compile as-built cost records for benchmarking and future portfolio planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in cost management for large-scale construction projects, ideally in data centers or other mission-critical sectors.
• Proven leadership experience managing cost teams and client relationships.
• Experience with MEP systems and their cost implications in data center environments.
• Deep understanding of construction contracts, procurement processes, and commercial risk management.
• Proficiency in cost management software and tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Professional certifications such as MRICS, PQS, or equivalent are highly desirable.

Additional Information

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

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. 

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 find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/

Turner & Townsend does not accept any speculative or unsolicited CV’s that have been sent to our internal recruitment team or hiring managers from agencies outside of our preferred supplier list or that have not followed due process. Any speculative or unsolicited CV’s will be treated as a direct application.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
 

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