📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction
Company: Turner & Townsend
Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Cost Management, Project Delivery, Construction
Date Posted: 2025-08-01
Experience Level: 10+
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead a Cost Management team and drive large Data Center projects to successful outcomes.
Act as the primary interface with clients, stakeholders, and consultants across all project stages.
Implement and maintain cost control systems, manage financial closeout, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Collaborate with design and construction teams to optimize resource allocation and ensure adherence to client policies and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a seasoned cost professional with proven expertise in cost planning, cost control, estimating, procurement, and financial management. Familiarity with MEP systems and the ability to lead commercial negotiations and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams are highly beneficial.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cost Management Leadership: Lead a Cost Management team, ensuring delivery on all accountabilities, and act as the primary interface with clients, stakeholders, and consultants across all project stages.
Cost Control Systems: Implement and maintain cost control systems to manage project financials, create and manage change order logs, ensure approval protocols, and conduct audits.
Financial Management: Manage financial closeout, prepare final cost reconciliations and reports, and ensure all financial obligations are resolved before handover.
Cost-Saving Opportunities: Identify cost-saving opportunities and lead value engineering initiatives, and inform engineering priorities based on cost impact.
Commercial Negotiations: Lead commercial negotiations and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to optimize resource allocation and ensure adherence to client policies, financial standards, and regulatory requirements.
Quality Standards: Ensure compliance with quality standards and participate in ISO audits.
Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve cost management procedures, templates, and products.
Proposals and Cross-selling: Lead proposals for new work or variations and identify cross-selling opportunities.
Networking and Promotions: Attend networking events and promotional opportunities.
Cost Checks and Valuations: Manage cost checks, valuations, and change control processes, prepare funding data presentations, and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
Project Management: Utilize project management tools to track margin levels and monthly forecasts, and input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams.
Staff Management: Participate in staff recruitment, performance reviews, and formal management processes.
SOX Controls: Adhere to SOX control responsibilities where applicable.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience:

Minimum 8 years in cost management for large, mission-critical construction projects (e.g., Data Centers, High Tech, Industrial).
MEP estimating experience is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Proficiency in project management and cost estimating tools (e.g., CostX, Microsoft/G-Suite).
Experience with value management, life cycle costing, and financial reporting.
Ability to estimate at conceptual, programming, and detailed levels.
Familiarity with commit profiles, cash flow, and overall project cost structures.
RICS or equivalent accreditation is advantageous.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong track record in cost management for large, mission-critical construction projects.
Showcase experience in cost planning, cost control, estimating, procurement, and financial management.
Highlight proficiency in project management tools and ability to manage financial closeout and prepare final cost reconciliations.
Display understanding of MEP systems and commercial negotiation skills.

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of cost management plans, change order logs, and financial reports.
Showcase experience in value engineering and cost-saving initiatives.
Demonstrate understanding of quality standards and ISO audits.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Research indicates that the average salary for an Associate Director - Cost Manager in the construction industry in the United States is around $150,000 - $200,000 per year. However, the salary range for this specific role may vary depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the company's compensation structure.

Benefits:

Turner & Townsend offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
The company promotes a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.
Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer and celebrates diversity, promoting an inclusive environment for all employees.

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours, although on-site presence and requirements may change depending on the client's needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Turner & Townsend operates in the construction industry, specializing in consultancy, project delivery, and post-project operations for various sectors, including data centers, high tech, and industrial projects.
Company Size: With over 22,000 specialists in more than 60 countries, Turner & Townsend is a large, global organization that offers opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: Turner & Townsend was founded in 1946 and has since grown into a leading global professional services firm.

Team Structure:

The Cost Management team is responsible for all aspects of cost management and project delivery, acting as the primary interface with clients, stakeholders, and consultants.
The team works collaboratively with design and construction teams to optimize resource allocation and ensure adherence to client policies, financial standards, and regulatory requirements.
The team structure may include cost managers, quantity surveyors, estimators, and financial analysts, depending on the project's size and complexity.

Development Methodology:

Turner & Townsend employs industry-standard project management methodologies, such as PRINCE2 and PMP, to deliver projects successfully.
The company utilizes project management tools to track margin levels, monthly forecasts, and overall project cost structures.
Turner & Townsend is committed to continuous improvement and encourages staff to input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams.

Company Website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's company culture emphasizes client focus, proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity, and quality. The company values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, providing opportunities for professional growth and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the Associate Director level, indicating significant experience and expertise in cost management for large, mission-critical construction projects. The role requires strong leadership, strategic decision-making, and the ability to manage and mentor team members.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Director - Cost Manager reports directly to the client and acts as the primary interface with stakeholders and consultants. The role may also involve managing a team of cost managers, quantity surveyors, estimators, and financial analysts, depending on the project's size and complexity.

Technical Impact: The Associate Director - Cost Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful delivery of large Data Center projects by managing project financials, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and optimizing resource allocation. The role requires a deep understanding of cost management principles, industry trends, and best practices to drive project success.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Progression: With Turner & Townsend's global presence and diverse project portfolio, there are ample opportunities for career progression within the Cost Management team or across other disciplines within the company.
Technical Skill Development: The role offers opportunities to develop technical skills in cost management, project delivery, and financial management, as well as exposure to emerging technologies and industry trends in the data center sector.
Leadership Development: The role provides opportunities to develop leadership skills by managing teams, driving projects to successful outcomes, and collaborating with stakeholders and consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's career progression paths and growth opportunities are tailored to the individual's skills, experience, and career aspirations. The company encourages internal mobility and provides training and development opportunities to support employees' growth and success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Turner & Townsend's office environment is collaborative, dynamic, and innovative, with a strong focus on client focus, integrity, and quality. The company promotes a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Office Location(s): Turner & Townsend has offices located globally, with this specific role based in Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States. The company's global presence offers opportunities for international travel and exposure to diverse project portfolios.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: Turner & Townsend's office environment encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Development Tools: The company provides access to industry-standard project management and cost estimating tools, such as CostX, Microsoft/G-Suite, and other relevant software applications.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Cost Management team works collaboratively with design and construction teams, as well as other internal departments, to optimize resource allocation and ensure project success.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with standard working hours, although on-site presence and requirements may change depending on the client's needs. The company promotes a flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's work environment is designed to support employees' productivity, collaboration, and work-life balance. The company offers a range of benefits and perks to attract and retain top talent in the construction industry.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Step 1 - Phone/Skype Screen: A brief phone or video call to discuss the role, the candidate's experience, and qualifications. This step may include technical preparation recommendations and coding/configuration assessment focus.
Step 2 - On-site Interview: A face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and other team members to discuss the candidate's fit for the role, their experience, and qualifications. This step may include web architecture expectations and system design discussion.
Step 3 - Final Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to assess the candidate's cultural fit, leadership potential, and overall suitability for the role. This step may include technical impact discussion and final evaluation criteria.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Tip 1 - Portfolio Structure: Organize your portfolio to showcase your experience in cost management, project delivery, and financial management. Highlight your proficiency in project management tools and ability to manage financial closeout and prepare final cost reconciliations.
Tip 2 - Case Studies: Prepare detailed case studies demonstrating your experience in cost planning, cost control, estimating, procurement, and value engineering. Highlight the impact you've made on project outcomes and the benefits you've brought to clients.
Tip 3 - Technical Documentation: Include examples of cost management plans, change order logs, and financial reports to showcase your technical skills and attention to detail.
Tip 4 - Company-Specific Considerations: Research Turner & Townsend's company culture, values, and mission to tailor your portfolio and interview responses to demonstrate your fit for the role and the organization.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Challenge 1 - Cost Estimation: Familiarize yourself with industry-standard cost estimating tools and techniques. Practice estimating at conceptual, programming, and detailed levels to demonstrate your proficiency and attention to detail.
Challenge 2 - Value Engineering: Brush up on your value engineering skills and techniques. Prepare examples of cost-saving opportunities and strategies to demonstrate your ability to identify and implement cost-saving initiatives.
Challenge 3 - Commercial Negotiations: Refresh your commercial negotiation skills and techniques. Prepare examples of successful negotiations and the impact you've made on project outcomes and client satisfaction.

ATS Keywords:

Cost Management, Project Delivery, Construction, Data Centers, High Tech, Industrial, Cost Planning, Cost Control, Estimating, Procurement, Financial Management, MEP Systems, Commercial Negotiations, Analytical Skills, Problem-Solving, Communication Skills, Value Engineering, Financial Reporting, Project Management Tools, ISO Audits, Construction Industry, Global Project Delivery, Client Focus, Quality, Integrity, Innovation, Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Career Progression, Technical Skill Development, Leadership Development, Work-Life Balance, Flexible Working Environment, Competitive Benefits, Turner & Townsend.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's application and interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role and the organization. The company values proactive, client-focused, and innovative professionals who can drive project success and contribute to the company's growth and development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction position:

Submit your application through the application link provided on the job posting.
Concrete Preparation Step 1 - Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to showcase your experience in cost management, project delivery, and financial management. Highlight your proficiency in project management tools and ability to manage financial closeout and prepare final cost reconciliations.
Concrete Preparation Step 2 - Resume Optimization: Optimize your resume for web technology roles by highlighting your project experience, technical skills, and achievements in cost management, project delivery, and financial management.
Concrete Preparation Step 3 - Technical Interview Preparation: Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your cost estimation, value engineering, and commercial negotiation skills. Familiarize yourself with industry trends, best practices, and Turner & Townsend's company culture and values.
Concrete Preparation Step 4 - Company Research: Research Turner & Townsend's company culture, values, and mission to ensure a strong fit for the role and the organization. Prepare questions to ask during the interview process to demonstrate your interest and engagement with the company.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction