Senior Cost Manager Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Cost Manager to support cost governance and commercial management for a large-scale multi-phase data center development program. This position is based onsite approximately one hour east of Columbus Ohio in Conesville. Per diem is available for candidates commuting from Franklin County (or the Columbus area) with mileage reimbursement provided. Candidates must be onsite at least 3 days per week.

This role will focus on cost planning budgeting procurement support and risk management across multiple packages and phases ensuring compliance with program objectives. You will deliver accurate reporting assist with procurement and contracting strategies and contribute to value engineering initiatives to optimize design and reduce costs.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in cost management for complex construction programs excellent analytical skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders. You will work closely with leadership teams support junior staff development and help drive best practices throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities: 

• Act as the day-to-day client interface maintaining clear communication and building strong relationships with clients contractors and vendors.
• Manage cost planning and budgeting for multi-phase data center projects ensuring alignment with governance and compliance standards.
• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates throughout the design phase updating at key milestones.
• Prepare and present final cost plans monthly cost reports forecasts and funding data presentations.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing lead negotiations and ensure fair contract pricing.
• Estimate and negotiate change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Manage cost checks valuations and change control processes including contingency tracking and commitment logs.
• Reconcile changes and validate contractor data for accuracy.
• Coordinate all sources of cost information for cost discussions including suppliers subcontractors and design teams.
• Provide commercial input to design optioneering and lead value engineering sessions to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Perform quantity surveying cost controls and risk management across multiple packages and phases.
• Ensure robust cost auditing and validation processes are in place.
• Support procurement strategy development and contract administration.
• Participate in preconstruction activities feasibility studies and early-stage cost modeling for future phases.
• Compile built cost estimate records for benchmarking purposes.
• Mentor and coach junior team members promoting capability growth and succession planning.
• Support continuous improvement by contributing to internal tools templates and process enhancements.
• Utilize internal systems for margin tracking fee/resource forecasting and compliance with Business Management Systems (BMS).
• Implement and maintain company delivery methodologies and tools for consistent best practice.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role which are to be adhered to where applicable

Qualifications :

• Bachelors degree in Construction Management Quantity Surveying Engineering or related field.
• 7 years of experience in cost management or quantity surveying ideally in construction consultancy.
• Proven experience managing medium-to-large complex construction projects (hyperscale data centers industrial energy infrastructure).
• Strong knowledge of cost planning budgeting financial reporting and cost control systems.
• Familiarity with procurement strategies commercial management and construction contracts.
• RICS accreditation or working toward it preferred.
• Excellent communication negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in industry-standard cost management tools and software.
• Understanding of MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial.
• Ability to manage multiple packages concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques.
• Knowledge of sustainability considerations and energy infrastructure is a plus.

Additional Information :

The salary range for this full-time role is $130K-$160K 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 candidates 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 and  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 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. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time