Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

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.

Job Description

Turner & Townsend are engaged to support our clients with many complex projects, responsible for all aspects of cost management and project delivery. We are seeking an ambitious Associate Director level Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to act as the day-to-day interface with the client and drive large Data Center projects to successful outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of mission-critical infrastructure as part of a team of innovative professionals.

This role requires a seasoned cost professional with proven expertise in cost planning, cost control, estimating, procurement, and financial management. You should be confident interpreting technical drawings, managing large-scale budgets, and using industry-standard tools to deliver precise, data-driven insights. Familiarity with MEP systems is beneficial, along with the ability to lead commercial negotiations and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Cost Management team, ensuring delivery on all accountabilities.
• Act as the primary interface with clients, stakeholders, and consultants across all project stages.
• Develop strong client relationships, including potential on-site presence to facilitate delivery.
• Implement and maintain cost control systems to manage project financials.
• Create and manage change order logs, ensure approval protocols, and conduct audits.
• Manage financial closeout, prepare final cost reconciliations and reports, and ensure all financial obligations are resolved before handover.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and lead value engineering initiatives.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
• Maintain a database of cost benchmarks for data center projects.
• Collaborate with design and construction teams to optimize resource allocation.
• Ensure adherence to client policies, financial standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and participate in ISO audits.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost management procedures, templates, and products.
• Lead proposals for new work or variations and identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Attend networking events and promotional opportunities.
• Manage cost checks, valuations, and change control processes.
• Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
• Utilize project management tools to track margin levels and monthly forecasts.
• Input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams.
• Participate in staff recruitment, performance reviews, and formal management processes.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications