Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to join our data center team and support a major new data center construction program. The ideal candidate will be driven, collaborative, and aligned with our Turner & Townsend purpose and values. This role will support one of the largest construction programs in Michigan’s history, involving multiple large‑scale facilities and significant regional development activity. The position could be based in the Detroit metro area, providing direct engagement with project teams and on‑site coordination. The Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor will deliver full‑lifecycle cost management across a complex, multi‑building campus program, including estimating, procurement support, cost control, reporting, and final account closeout on a high‑value construction portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or field related to construction.
Minimum 3–5 years of relevant cost management experience in the construction industry.
Experience supporting cost management on medium or large‑sized construction projects.
Good knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
Strong communication skills.

Nice To Haves

RICS accredited or working towards it is valuable.
Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Advise the client on procurement and contracting strategies tailored to large‑scale data center construction.
Manage vendor prequalification, evaluate bids and proposals, prepare bid leveling, and make final recommendations.
Lead and participate in vendor interviews, support contract negotiation, and oversee the appointment process.
Develop detailed construction cost estimates for large data center facilities, including structure, fit‑out, MEP, sitework, and associated costs.
Review and refine estimates prepared by junior team members, ensuring accuracy and alignment with benchmark data.
Present estimates, value engineering options, and risk assessments to the client.
Engage with contractors and suppliers to validate cost inputs and challenge assumptions where needed.
Establish and maintain the cost reporting schedule for the program.
Prepare, review, and present cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and budget updates.
Maintain and update the commercial risk register and support regular cost review meetings with the broader project team.
Benchmark performance and costs against similar data center commissions.
Review and assess contractor payment applications, collaborating closely with project managers to determine entitlement.
Evaluate change order requests, negotiate cost impacts, and prepare recommendations for client approval.
Use dispute avoidance and resolution procedures to support smooth financial administration and mitigate potential conflicts.
Manage and monitor invoicing processes for accuracy and compliance.
Lead the final accounting process, post‑contract audits, and financial closeout activities.
Conduct post‑contract reviews with the client and prepare lessons‑learned documentation.
Develop and refine procedures governing handover and closeout of major construction packages.
Utilize key tools, including bid analysis sheets, change control forms, takeoff software, and cost‑estimating systems to support all cost management functions.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.