📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction
Company: Turner & Townsend
Location: North Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
Category: Cost Management, Project Delivery
Date Posted: August 1, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site presence required approximately 35 miles west of North Chicago

🚀 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 to manage project financials
Identify cost-saving opportunities and lead value engineering initiatives
Collaborate with design and construction teams to optimize resource allocation

📝 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 is beneficial, along with the ability to lead commercial negotiations and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Team Leadership: Lead a Cost Management team, ensuring delivery on all accountabilities
Client Relationship Management: Develop strong client relationships and facilitate project delivery
Cost Control: Implement and maintain cost control systems, manage change order logs, and ensure financial closeout
Cost Optimization: Identify cost-saving opportunities, lead value engineering initiatives, and inform engineering priorities based on cost impact
Financial Management: Prepare funding data presentations, coordinate VE sessions, and input key learnings into internal databases
Compliance & Quality: Ensure adherence to client policies, financial standards, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
Business Development: Lead proposals for new work or variations, identify cross-selling opportunities, and attend networking events
Staff Management: Participate in staff recruitment, performance reviews, and formal management processes

🎓 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)

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

Preferred Skills:

MEP estimating experience
RICS or equivalent accreditation

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should have a strong background in cost management, with a proven track record of delivering large, complex construction projects. Familiarity with MEP systems and relevant estimating tools is highly beneficial for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in cost management for data center construction projects
Showcase proficiency in cost planning, cost control, estimating, and procurement
Highlight successful value engineering initiatives and cost optimization strategies
Display understanding of MEP systems and their integration into data center projects

Technical Documentation:

Prepare detailed cost estimates, cost plans, and cost reports
Document change order logs, change control processes, and financial closeout procedures
Present funding data, coordinate VE sessions, and input key learnings into internal databases

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 per year

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this full-time role is $150,000 - $180,000 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.

Benefits:

Competitive benefits package
Flexible working environment
Opportunities for professional development and growth
Inclusive company culture with a focus on work-life balance

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with regular on-site visits required approximately 35 miles west of North Chicago

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company specializing in project management, cost management, and advisory services
The company operates in over 60 countries and has a strong focus on delivering transformational projects across various sectors, including data centers, high tech, and industrial
Turner & Townsend values innovation, client focus, integrity, and quality in its approach to project delivery

Team Structure:

The team consists of cost management professionals, with this role acting as the primary interface with clients and leading a dedicated Cost Management team
The team works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including design and construction professionals, to deliver successful project outcomes

Development Methodology:

Turner & Townsend employs a structured project delivery approach, with a focus on cost management, risk management, and stakeholder engagement
The company uses industry-standard tools and platforms to support project delivery, including CostX and Microsoft/G-Suite

Company Website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The company promotes a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is suitable for an experienced cost professional with a minimum of 8 years of experience in cost management for large, mission-critical construction projects. The role offers opportunities for career progression and professional development within the cost management and project delivery fields.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Director - Cost Manager reports directly to the relevant regional or global leadership team within Turner & Townsend's Cost Management division.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on project delivery, client satisfaction, and overall project success. The Associate Director - Cost Manager is responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Progression: Opportunities exist for career progression within Turner & Townsend's Cost Management division, with potential paths leading to senior management or director-level positions
Technical Skill Development: The role offers opportunities to develop and enhance skills in cost management, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement
Leadership Development: The role provides opportunities to develop leadership skills through team management, client relationship management, and business development activities

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's global presence and diverse project portfolio provide ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The company encourages internal mobility and supports employees in pursuing new challenges and experiences.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Turner & Townsend operates a hybrid work environment, with regular on-site visits required approximately 35 miles west of North Chicago

Office Location(s): North Chicago, Illinois, United States

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The workspace encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing between cost management professionals, designers, and construction teams
Modern Workspace: Turner & Townsend's offices are equipped with modern technology and tools to support project delivery and team collaboration
Flexible Work Arrangement: The company offers flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance and employee well-being

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with regular on-site visits required approximately 35 miles west of North Chicago

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's hybrid work environment fosters collaboration and innovation while promoting work-life balance. The company's flexible work arrangements support employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone/Video Screen: A brief phone or video call to discuss the role, experience, and qualifications
Technical Assessment: A practical assessment or case study to evaluate cost management skills and problem-solving abilities
Behavioral Interview: A structured interview focusing on behavioral competencies, leadership skills, and cultural fit
Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss the role, company culture, and career growth opportunities

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant experience in cost management for data center construction projects
Demonstrate proficiency in cost planning, cost control, estimating, and procurement
Showcase successful value engineering initiatives and cost optimization strategies
Emphasize understanding of MEP systems and their integration into data center projects

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on cost management principles, tools, and techniques
Review relevant industry standards and best practices
Prepare for questions on project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and risk management

ATS Keywords: Cost Management, Project Delivery, Cost Planning, Cost Control, Estimating, Procurement, Financial Management, Technical Drawings, MEP Systems, Commercial Negotiations, Analytical Skills, Problem-Solving, Communication Skills, Value Management, Life Cycle Costing, Financial Reporting, Data Center Construction, High Tech, Industrial, Hybrid Work Environment, Career Growth, Professional Development, Leadership Development

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. The company values candidates who can demonstrate a strong track record in cost management and a commitment to delivering successful project outcomes.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Cost Management Tools:

CostX
Microsoft/G-Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira)

Project Delivery Platforms:

Turner & Townsend's proprietary project delivery platforms and tools
Industry-standard project management and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira)

Industry Standards & Best Practices:

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) standards and best practices
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) quality management systems
Industry-specific standards and best practices (e.g., data center design, construction, and operation)

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend uses industry-standard tools and platforms to support project delivery and cost management. The company's proprietary project delivery platforms and tools are designed to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Cost Management Values:

Client Focus: Turner & Townsend prioritizes client satisfaction and delivers projects that meet or exceed client expectations
Innovation: The company encourages creativity, continuous improvement, and the adoption of new technologies and approaches
Integrity: Turner & Townsend operates with the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, honesty, and accountability in all aspects of project delivery
Quality: The company is committed to delivering high-quality projects that meet or exceed industry standards and client expectations

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Turner & Townsend fosters collaboration between cost management professionals, designers, and construction teams to deliver successful project outcomes
Code Review Culture: The company encourages peer review and knowledge sharing to ensure high-quality project delivery and continuous learning
Knowledge Sharing: Turner & Townsend promotes a culture of knowledge sharing, with regular training, workshops, and internal communications to support professional development and growth

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's cost management team values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. The company fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and peer support to ensure high-quality project delivery and professional development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cost Optimization: Identify cost-saving opportunities and lead value engineering initiatives to deliver projects within budget and on time
Risk Management: Assess and mitigate project risks, including cost escalations, delays, and changes in scope
Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with clients, stakeholders, and consultants to ensure project success and client satisfaction
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to client policies, financial standards, and regulatory requirements, including quality standards and certifications

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Career Progression: Pursue career progression opportunities within Turner & Townsend's Cost Management division, with potential paths leading to senior management or director-level positions
Technical Skill Development: Enhance skills in cost management, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement through on-the-job training, workshops, and industry conferences
Leadership Development: Develop leadership skills through team management, client relationship management, and business development activities

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's global presence and diverse project portfolio provide ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The company encourages employees to pursue new challenges and experiences to support their career progression and growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Cost Management Principles: Demonstrate a strong understanding of cost management principles, tools, and techniques
Project Delivery: Discuss project delivery methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder engagement strategies
Industry Knowledge: Showcase knowledge of industry-specific standards, best practices, and emerging trends in data center construction and operation

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Discuss Turner & Townsend's company culture, values, and commitment to client satisfaction
Project Delivery: Describe your approach to project delivery, risk management, and stakeholder engagement
Career Growth: Explain your career goals and how this role aligns with your long-term aspirations

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Relevant Experience: Highlight relevant experience in cost management for data center construction projects
Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in cost planning, cost control, estimating, and procurement
Value Engineering: Showcase successful value engineering initiatives and cost optimization strategies
MEP Systems: Emphasize understanding of MEP systems and their integration into data center projects

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. The company values candidates who can demonstrate a strong track record in cost management and a commitment to delivering successful project outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

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

Submit your application through the application link provided
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in cost management for data center construction projects
Prepare for the interview process by reviewing cost management principles, tools, and techniques, as well as Turner & Townsend's company culture and values
Research industry trends and best practices in data center construction and operation to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the role

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

Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction