Cost Manager – Data Center Construction - job 1 of 3

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 is seeking a Cost Manager or Quantity Surveyor to support cost management on complex data center projects. You’ll work with clients, contractors, and internal teams to help deliver projects on time and within budget.

You’ll assist with cost planning, estimating, procurement, and reporting throughout the project lifecycle. This role is ideal for someone with solid experience in cost control and financial reporting, looking to grow into a more senior position. Strong analytical skills, familiarity with MEP systems is beneficial, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders is key.

This is a hybrid role with regular on-site visits required approximately 35 miles west of North Chicago.


Responsibilities:

• Support the full lifecycle of cost management activities on data center construction projects, from early-stage budgeting through final account closeout.
• Assist in the preparation of detailed cost plans, estimates, and budgets aligned with project scope and client expectations.
• Monitor and manage project costs, including tracking actuals vs. forecasts, identifying variances, and recommending corrective actions.
• Review and negotiate change orders, ensuring proper documentation, cost validation, and alignment with contractual terms.
• Collaborate with design consultants, engineers, and contractors to validate cost estimates and ensure consistency with design intent and construction feasibility.
• Prepare and present regular cost reports, forecasts, and executive summaries to internal stakeholders and clients.
• Track and manage contingency usage, commitments, and cost impacts across multiple packages or phases.
• Participate in procurement activities, including bid analysis, scope reviews, and contractor negotiations.
• Maintain and update benchmarking data, historical cost records, and lessons learned to support future project planning.
• Contribute to value engineering and design optimization exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial systems, client-specific requirements, and applicable regulatory controls.
• Support the development and improvement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal project teams.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–6 years of relevant experience in cost-focused project controls or cost management.
• Experience with large-scale, mission-critical construction projects (e.g., data centers, high-tech, industrial).
• Construction consultancy experience is preferred.
• Strong background in cost management, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems.
• Experience with procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
• RICS accreditation or working toward it is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in industry-standard tools and software for cost management.

The salary range for this full-time role is $100K-$130K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package.  Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications.

*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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It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. 

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.