Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction
• Company: Turner & Townsend
• Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
• Job Type: Full-time
• Category: Construction Management, Cost Management
• Date Posted: August 1, 2025
• Experience Level: 10+ years
• Remote Status: Hybrid (on-site presence required approximately 25 miles east of Milwaukee)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a Cost Management team and act as the primary interface with clients and stakeholders for large Data Center projects.
• Implement and maintain cost control systems, manage financial closeout processes, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with design and construction teams to optimize resource allocation and ensure adherence to client policies and quality standards.
• Utilize project management tools to track margin levels and monthly forecasts, and input key learnings into internal databases.

📝 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 & Stakeholder Management: 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.
• Cost Control & Financial Management: 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.
• Cost Optimization: Identify cost-saving opportunities and lead value engineering initiatives. Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
• Cost Benchmarking: Maintain a database of cost benchmarks for data center projects.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure adherence to client policies, financial standards, and regulatory requirements. Ensure compliance with quality standards and participate in ISO audits.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve cost management procedures, templates, and products.
• Proposals & Cross-selling: Lead proposals for new work or variations and identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Networking & Promotions: Attend networking events and promotional opportunities.
• Cost Checks & Valuations: Manage cost checks, valuations, and change control processes. Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
• Margin Tracking & Forecasting: Utilize project management tools to track margin levels and monthly forecasts.
• Knowledge Sharing: Input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams.
• Staff Management: 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.

🎓 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 familiarity with MEP systems and the ability to lead commercial negotiations.
• Include examples of successful value engineering initiatives and cost optimization strategies.

Technical Documentation:

• Prepare detailed cost reports, change order logs, and final cost reconciliations.
• Document cost benchmarks, commit profiles, cash flow, and overall project cost structures.
• Showcase knowledge of client policies, financial standards, and regulatory requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Senior Cost Manager role in the United States)

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.
• Equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with on-site presence required approximately 25 miles east of Milwaukee.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Turner & Townsend specializes in delivering transformational projects across various sectors, including construction, infrastructure, and real estate. This role focuses on mission-critical infrastructure projects, such as data centers.

Company Size: Turner & Townsend is a global company with over 22,000 specialists in more than 60 countries. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, innovative, and client-focused environment with an inclusive and fun company culture.

Founded: Turner & Townsend was founded in 1946 and has since grown to become a leading global professional services firm.

Team Structure:

• The Cost Management team is responsible for all aspects of cost management and project delivery.
• The team works closely with clients, stakeholders, and consultants across all project stages.
• The role requires collaboration with design and construction teams to optimize resource allocation and ensure adherence to client policies and quality standards.

Development Methodology:

• Turner & Townsend uses industry-standard tools for cost planning, cost control, estimating, and financial management.
• The company follows best practices in project management, cost management, and value engineering.
• Turner & Townsend is committed to continuous improvement and encourages employees to input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams.

Company Website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend offers a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change. 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 at the Senior level, requiring a seasoned cost professional with proven expertise in cost management for large, mission-critical construction projects. The role offers the opportunity to lead a team, act as the primary interface with clients and stakeholders, and drive large Data Center projects to successful outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Director - Cost Manager reports directly to the relevant department head or regional manager within Turner & Townsend.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on project delivery, cost optimization, and client satisfaction. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving large Data Center projects to successful outcomes and contributing to the growth and success of Turner & Townsend.

Growth Opportunities:

• Career Progression: Turner & Townsend offers opportunities for career progression within the Cost Management team and across the organization. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to take on more senior roles or specialize in specific areas of expertise.
• Technical Skill Development: The role offers the opportunity to develop technical skills in cost management, project delivery, and value engineering. Turner & Townsend encourages employees to input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams.
• Leadership & Mentoring: The role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to mentor and develop junior team members. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to take on more senior roles or specialize in specific areas of expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourages applications from all sectors of the community. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for professional development and career progression, and a flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Turner & Townsend has a global presence with offices located in over 60 countries. The role is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with regular on-site visits required approximately 25 miles east of the city.

Office Location(s): Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and consultants across all project stages. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Project Management Tools: Turner & Townsend uses industry-standard tools for project management, cost management, and value engineering. The successful candidate will be proficient in using these tools to track margin levels, monthly forecasts, and overall project cost structures.
• Knowledge Sharing: Turner & Townsend encourages employees to input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams. The successful candidate will be proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn and develop their skills.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with on-site presence required approximately 25 miles east of Milwaukee. The working hours are 40 hours per week, with the flexibility to work from home as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend is committed to creating a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. The company offers opportunities for professional development and career progression, as well as a competitive salary and benefits package.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

• Screening: The initial screening will focus on the candidate's experience in cost management, project delivery, and value engineering. The candidate will be asked to provide examples of their experience and how they have contributed to the success of previous projects.
• Technical Assessment: The technical assessment will involve a detailed review of the candidate's portfolio, including examples of cost planning, cost control, estimating, procurement, and financial management. The candidate may be asked to prepare a presentation or case study demonstrating their technical skills and experience.
• Behavioral Assessment: The behavioral assessment will focus on the candidate's leadership skills, communication skills, and ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. The candidate may be asked to provide examples of how they have led commercial negotiations, managed change order logs, and ensured compliance with client policies and quality standards.
• Final Evaluation: The final evaluation will focus on the candidate's fit with the Turner & Townsend culture and the specific requirements of the role. The candidate may be asked to provide additional information about their experience, skills, and career goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Portfolio Structure: Organize your portfolio to showcase your experience in cost management, project delivery, and value engineering. Include examples of cost planning, cost control, estimating, procurement, and financial management.
• Case Studies: Prepare detailed case studies demonstrating your technical skills and experience. Include examples of successful value engineering initiatives and cost optimization strategies.
• Presentation Skills: Practice your presentation skills to ensure you can clearly and concisely explain your technical approach and the results you have achieved.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Cost Management Tools: Familiarize yourself with industry-standard tools for cost planning, cost control, estimating, and financial management. Practice using these tools to prepare for the technical assessment.
• Project Delivery: Review the Turner & Townsend project delivery methodology and best practices. Prepare for the behavioral assessment by providing examples of how you have led commercial negotiations, managed change order logs, and ensured compliance with client policies and quality standards.
• Value Engineering: Brush up on your value engineering skills and prepare for the technical assessment by providing examples of successful cost optimization strategies.

ATS Keywords:

• Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Planning, Cost Control, Estimating, Procurement, Financial Management, MEP Systems, Commercial Negotiations, Analytical Skills, Problem-Solving, Communication Skills, Project Management, Value Management, Life Cycle Costing, Financial Reporting, Commit Profiles, Cash Flow, Overall Project Cost Structures, RICS, Construction Management, Data Centers, High Tech, Industrial, Turner & Townsend.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. The company actively encourages applications from all sectors of the community and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for professional development and career progression, and a flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Cost Management Tools:

• CostX, Microsoft/G-Suite, and other industry-standard tools for cost planning, cost control, estimating, and financial management.

Project Management Tools:

• Turner & Townsend uses industry-standard tools for project management, cost management, and value engineering. The successful candidate will be proficient in using these tools to track margin levels, monthly forecasts, and overall project cost structures.

Collaboration & Communication Tools:

• Turner & Townsend uses collaboration and communication tools to facilitate communication between clients, stakeholders, and consultants across all project stages. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend is committed to creating a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. The company offers opportunities for professional development and career progression, as well as a competitive salary and benefits package.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Cost Management Values:

• Turner & Townsend values strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills in its Cost Management team. The company encourages employees to input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams.
• Turner & Townsend is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourages applications from all sectors of the community. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for professional development and career progression, and a flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Teams: The role requires close collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and consultants across all project stages. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge Sharing: Turner & Townsend encourages employees to input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams. The successful candidate will be proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn and develop their skills.
• Continuous Improvement: Turner & Townsend is committed to continuous improvement and encourages employees to input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend is committed to creating a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. The company offers opportunities for professional development and career progression, as well as a competitive salary and benefits package.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Cost Optimization: Identify cost-saving opportunities and lead value engineering initiatives to drive large Data Center projects to successful outcomes.
• Client Management: Act as the primary interface with clients and stakeholders, ensuring adherence to client policies, financial standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Project Delivery: Manage financial closeout, prepare final cost reconciliations and reports, and ensure all financial obligations are resolved before handover.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with quality standards and participate in ISO audits.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Career Progression: Turner & Townsend offers opportunities for career progression within the Cost Management team and across the organization. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to take on more senior roles or specialize in specific areas of expertise.
• Technical Skill Development: The role offers the opportunity to develop technical skills in cost management, project delivery, and value engineering. Turner & Townsend encourages employees to input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams.
• Leadership & Mentoring: The role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to mentor and develop junior team members. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to take on more senior roles or specialize in specific areas of expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourages applications from all sectors of the community. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for professional development and career progression, and a flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Cost Management: Prepare for questions about your experience in cost planning, cost control, estimating, procurement, and financial management. Be ready to provide examples of your experience and how you have contributed to the success of previous projects.
• Project Delivery: Review the Turner & Townsend project delivery methodology and best practices. Prepare for questions about your experience in managing financial closeout, preparing final cost reconciliations and reports, and ensuring all financial obligations are resolved before handover.
• Value Engineering: Brush up on your value engineering skills and prepare for questions about your experience in identifying cost-saving opportunities and leading value engineering initiatives.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Turner & Townsend Culture: Research Turner & Townsend's company culture, values, and commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Prepare for questions about your fit with the company culture and how you can contribute to the growth and success of the organization.
• Cost Management Team: Review the structure and dynamics of the Cost Management team. Prepare for questions about your ability to lead a team, collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and consultants, and ensure adherence to client policies and quality standards.
• Client Management: Prepare for questions about your experience in acting as the primary interface with clients and stakeholders, ensuring adherence to client policies, financial standards, and regulatory requirements.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Portfolio Structure: Organize your portfolio to showcase your experience in cost management, project delivery, and value engineering. Include examples of cost planning, cost control, estimating, procurement, and financial management.
• Case Studies: Prepare detailed case studies demonstrating your technical skills and experience. Include examples of successful value engineering initiatives and cost optimization strategies.
• Presentation Skills: Practice your presentation skills to ensure you can clearly and concisely explain your technical approach and the results you have achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourages applications from all sectors of the community. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for professional development and career progression, and a flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Cost Manager role at Turner & Townsend:

1. Submit your application through the application link.
2. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in cost management, project delivery, and value engineering.
3. Prepare for the interview process by reviewing the Turner & Townsend project delivery methodology and best practices, and practicing your presentation skills.
4. Research Turner & Townsend's company culture, values, and commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

⚠️ 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.