Lead Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. 

Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. 

Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. 

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world. 

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.

Travel Requirement

Candidates may be based remotely, with preference for Chicago, IL or Indianapolis, IN for ease of in‑person client interaction. Monthly travel (2–3 days per trip) to the project site near St. Louis, MO is required.

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. 

• Ability to travel to the St. Louis, MO area monthly (1–2 trips, 2–3 days each).
• 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.
• Data center construction experience strongly preferred.
• 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.
• Professional accreditation (RICS or similar) strongly preferred.
• 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.

*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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