Senior Cost Manager, Quantity Surveyor – Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend

. Provide estimating and cost planning, producing and presenting cost plans at key design milestones.

Posted 4/21/2026full-timeRemote • Houston • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide estimating and cost planning, producing and presenting cost plans at key design milestones.
Review and collaborate with design teams and GC/CM partners on progressive estimates and design‑to‑budget alignment.
Lead value engineering, optioneering, and cost‑impact assessments to guide engineering priorities.
Validate and reconcile GC/CM cost data; review subcontractor pricing and lead commercial negotiations.
Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
Conduct cost checks, valuations, forecasting, and monthly cost reporting.
Manage commitment tracking, contingency usage, and change control processes.
Coordinate and validate all sources of cost information, including supplier pricing, subcontractor quotes, and A/E quantities.
Prepare executive‑level written commentary on contractor submissions and cost updates.
Support schedule‑driven delivery by resolving cost‑schedule issues proactively.
Lead cost auditing, cost validation, and post‑contract cost variance reviews.
Negotiate and close out final accounts; compile cost benchmarks for future phases.
Liaise with client stakeholders across Bay Area corporate and engineering teams while supporting large‑scale data center construction in energy‑abundant regions.
Mentor and develop team members; model best‑practice delivery and internal compliance standards.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
5–7+ years of relevant experience in cost management within the construction industry; construction consultancy experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated leadership on medium to large, complex projects—ideally mission‑critical / data centers, industrial, or heavy MEP programs.
Strong knowledge of procurement routes, value management, value engineering, and cost/risk management for fast‑track delivery.
Proficiency in cost planning, estimating, change management, and commercial negotiations across the full project lifecycle.
Excellent stakeholder communication with proven client‑facing experience; ability to translate cost drivers and risks for executive audiences.
RICS accreditation (or working toward it) preferred.
Bay Area experience is a plus, including familiarity with local market conditions, permitting influences, utilities, and MEP trade dynamics for mission‑critical projects.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working arrangements
Health insurance
Professional development opportunities

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

cost planningestimatingvalue engineeringchange managementcost managementcost forecastingcost reportingcost validationcommercial negotiationscommitment tracking

Soft Skills

leadershipstakeholder communicationmentoringcollaborationproblem-solvingpresentation skillsclient-facing experienceteam developmentorganizational skillsnegotiation

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in Construction ManagementRICS accreditation