Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Chicago, IL

5h•$175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to support and guide commercial strategy, cost governance, and delivery oversight for a large multi‑phase data center development program. This $4B program, located approximately one hour from St. Louis, Missouri, includes a substantial new‑build campus requiring strong cost management capabilities, disciplined controls, and coordination across multiple phases and packages. In this role, you will provide key commercial leadership, support strategic decision‑making, and maintain strong stakeholder engagement across all stages of design and construction.

Requirements

Ability to travel monthly to the project area near St. Louis, MO.
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
8–10+ years of cost management or project controls experience, including experience leading cost management deliverables on complex projects.
Strong experience in large‑scale, mission‑critical, industrial, or similar technical projects.
Demonstrated expertise in estimating, cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems.
Strong knowledge of procurement, commercial management, construction contracting, change management, and risk management.
Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders.
Advanced analytical skills and high attention to detail.
Proficiency with industry‑standard cost management tools and software.
Ability to manage multiple phases, packages, and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience supporting value engineering and design optimization initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Data center construction experience strongly preferred.
Professional accreditation (RICS or similar) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead cost management activities across a large, multi‑phase data center program, ensuring compliance with established processes, governance, and reporting standards.
Support the development and implementation of cost strategies, frameworks, and reporting structures for multi‑billion‑dollar program budgets.
Serve as a key client interface, coordinating with stakeholders, consultants, and internal teams to maintain effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
Provide commercial input into procurement strategies, change management, risk analysis, and contract administration.
Manage full‑lifecycle cost activities, including estimating, cost planning, quantity surveying, cost controls, trend analysis, and contingency tracking.
Prepare and deliver clear cost reporting, forecasts, dashboards, and risk assessments for internal and client leadership.
Contribute to value engineering and design optimization efforts, identifying opportunities for cost efficiency.
Mentor and support junior cost management staff, contributing to team development and capability growth.
Assist with continuous improvements to internal tools, templates, and best‑practice processes.
Support financial performance management, including fee forecasting, resourcing, and compliance with Business Management Systems (BMS).
Participate in feasibility studies, benchmarking, and early‑stage cost modeling for future phases.
Build strong working relationships with clients, contractors, and vendors, supporting ongoing business development where appropriate.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.