Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

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. 

Turner & Townsend are engaged to support our clients with many complex projects, responsible for all aspects of cost management and project delivery. We are seeking an ambitious Associate Director level Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to act as the day-to-day interface with the client and drive large Data Center projects to successful outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of mission-critical infrastructure as part of a team of innovative professionals.

This role requires a seasoned cost professional with proven expertise in cost planning, cost control, estimating, procurement, and financial management. You should be confident interpreting technical drawings, managing large-scale budgets, and using industry-standard tools to deliver precise, data-driven insights. Familiarity with MEP systems is beneficial, along with the ability to lead commercial negotiations and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

This is a hybrid role with regular on-site visits required approximately 25 miles east of Milwaukee.
 

Responsibilities

• Lead a Cost Management team, ensuring delivery on all accountabilities.
• Act as the primary interface with clients, stakeholders, and consultants across all project stages.
• Develop strong client relationships, including potential on-site presence to facilitate delivery.
• Implement and maintain cost control systems to manage project financials.
• Create and manage change order logs, ensure approval protocols, and conduct audits.
• Manage financial closeout, prepare final cost reconciliations and reports, and ensure all financial obligations are resolved before handover.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and lead value engineering initiatives.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
• Maintain a database of cost benchmarks for data center projects.
• Collaborate with design and construction teams to optimize resource allocation.
• Ensure adherence to client policies, financial standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and participate in ISO audits.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost management procedures, templates, and products.
• Lead proposals for new work or variations and identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Attend networking events and promotional opportunities.
• Manage cost checks, valuations, and change control processes.
• Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
• Utilize project management tools to track margin levels and monthly forecasts.
• Input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams.
• Participate in staff recruitment, performance reviews, and formal management processes.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 8 years in cost management for large, mission-critical construction projects (e.g., Data Centers, High Tech, Industrial).
• MEP estimating experience is highly beneficial.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management and cost estimating tools (e.g., CostX, Microsoft/G-Suite).
• Experience with value management, life cycle costing, and financial reporting.
• Ability to estimate at conceptual, programming, and detailed levels.
• Familiarity with commit profiles, cash flow, and overall project cost structures.
• RICS or equivalent accreditation is advantageous.

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's 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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