Cost Manager – Data Center Construction at Turner & Townsend

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Cost Manager – Data Center Construction
Company: Turner & Townsend
Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: Project Management, Construction, Data Center
Date Posted: August 1, 2025

🚀 Role Summary

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves supporting the cost management of complex data center construction projects, working closely with clients, contractors, and internal teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Strong analytical skills, familiarity with MEP systems, and effective stakeholder communication are key to success in this position.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Support the full lifecycle of cost management activities on data center construction projects, from early-stage budgeting through final account closeout.
Assist in the preparation of detailed cost plans, estimates, and budgets aligned with project scope and client expectations.
Monitor and manage project costs, including tracking actuals vs. forecasts, identifying variances, and recommending corrective actions.
Review and negotiate change orders, ensuring proper documentation, cost validation, and alignment with contractual terms.
Collaborate with design consultants, engineers, and contractors to validate cost estimates and ensure consistency with design intent and construction feasibility.
Prepare and present regular cost reports, forecasts, and executive summaries to internal stakeholders and clients.
Track and manage contingency usage, commitments, and cost impacts across multiple packages or phases.
Participate in procurement activities, including bid analysis, scope reviews, and contractor negotiations.
Maintain and update benchmarking data, historical cost records, and lessons learned to support future project planning.
Contribute to value engineering and design optimization exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities.
Ensure compliance with internal financial systems, client-specific requirements, and applicable regulatory controls.
Support the development and improvement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal project teams.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: 3-6 years of relevant experience in cost-focused project controls or cost management, preferably with large-scale, mission-critical construction projects (e.g., data centers, high-tech, industrial). Construction consultancy experience is preferred.

Required Skills:

Strong background in cost management, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems.
Experience with procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
Proficiency in industry-standard tools and software for cost management.

Preferred Skills:

RICS accreditation or working toward it.
Familiarity with MEP systems.
Experience with value engineering and design optimization.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on cost management rather than web development, a portfolio showcasing relevant projects, cost management strategies, and financial reports would be most suitable. Include examples of successful cost control, budgeting, and stakeholder communication from previous projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $120,000 per year (Based on industry standards for cost managers with 3-6 years of experience in the construction sector)

Benefits:

Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunity to work on large-scale, complex projects
Collaborative and inclusive company culture
Flexible working environment that respects work-life balance
Equal opportunity employer with a commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all employees

Working Hours: Full-time, with the possibility of on-site presence depending on client needs

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global professional services firm specializing in project management, cost management, and consulting for the construction and real estate sectors.

Company Size: Medium to large (22,000+ employees worldwide)

Founded: 1946

Team Structure:

Global organization with regional and local teams
Collaborative and inclusive culture, with a focus on client satisfaction and employee development
Cross-functional collaboration between project teams, including cost managers, project managers, and other specialists

Development Methodology:

Agile project management methodologies
Collaborative planning and execution, with regular stakeholder engagement
Continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across projects and regions

Company Website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend offers a global platform for career development, with opportunities to work on diverse and complex projects across various sectors. Their collaborative and inclusive culture fosters growth and learning for employees at all levels.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: N/A (This role is not web technology-specific)

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Project Director or similar role, depending on the project structure and client requirements.

Technical Impact: As a cost manager, you will have a significant impact on project outcomes by ensuring that projects are delivered within budget and that cost management processes are optimized.

Growth Opportunities:

Progression to senior cost management roles, such as Senior Cost Manager or Associate Director
Transition to other project management or consulting roles within the organization
Opportunities to work on diverse and complex projects across various sectors and regions

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend offers a clear career progression path for cost managers, with opportunities to grow into senior roles and take on more complex projects. The organization's global presence also provides opportunities for international assignments and exposure to diverse project types.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces with a focus on employee well-being and productivity

Office Location(s): Kenosha, Wisconsin, with additional offices worldwide

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspaces with access to shared resources and tools
Flexible working arrangements, with opportunities for remote work depending on project requirements
Cross-functional collaboration with other project teams, including project managers, engineers, and designers

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible working hours and the possibility of on-site presence depending on client needs

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's work environment fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, with a focus on employee well-being and work-life balance. The organization's global presence also provides opportunities for international assignments and exposure to diverse project types.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Initial phone or video screen to assess communication skills and cultural fit
In-depth technical interview to discuss cost management experience, project examples, and problem-solving skills
Final interview with the hiring manager or project director to discuss fit within the team and project requirements

Portfolio Review Tips:

Prepare a portfolio showcasing relevant projects, cost management strategies, and financial reports
Highlight successful cost control, budgeting, and stakeholder communication examples
Be ready to discuss project challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work on project outcomes

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on cost management best practices and industry standards
Review relevant project experience and be prepared to discuss cost management strategies and solutions
Practice communicating complex financial information clearly and concisely

ATS Keywords: (Relevant to cost management, construction, and project management)

Programming Languages: N/A

Web Frameworks: N/A

Server Technologies: N/A

Databases: N/A

Tools: Cost management software (e.g., CostOS, CostX, Bluebeam), project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, JIRA), Microsoft Office Suite

Methodologies: Agile, Waterfall, Prince2, PMP

Soft Skills: Communication, collaboration, negotiation, problem-solving, analytical thinking, attention to detail, stakeholder management

Industry Terms: Cost management, budgeting, financial reporting, cost control, procurement strategies, commercial management, change orders, contingency management, value engineering, design optimization, SOX controls

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role is not web technology-specific, the ATS keywords focus on cost management, construction, and project management. Be prepared to discuss your cost management experience and strategies in detail during the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (This role is not web technology-specific)

Backend & Server Technologies: N/A (This role is not web technology-specific)

Development & DevOps Tools: (Relevant to cost management, construction, and project management)

Cost Management Software:

CostOS
CostX
Bluebeam
Procore
PlanGrid

Project Management Software:

Microsoft Project
Asana
JIRA
Trello
Basecamp

Office Suite:

Microsoft Office Suite
Google Workspace

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role is not web technology-specific, the technology stack focuses on cost management, construction, and project management tools. Familiarity with industry-standard tools and software for cost management is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values: N/A (This role is not web technology-specific)

Collaboration Style:

Collaborative and inclusive team culture, with a focus on knowledge sharing and continuous learning
Cross-functional collaboration between project teams, including cost managers, project managers, engineers, and designers
Regular team meetings and progress updates to ensure project success

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's collaborative and inclusive team culture fosters growth and learning for employees at all levels. The organization's focus on knowledge sharing and continuous learning ensures that employees remain up-to-date with industry best practices and emerging trends.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Managing project costs within complex and dynamic construction environments
Collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and internal teams
Ensuring compliance with internal financial systems, client-specific requirements, and applicable regulatory controls

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities to work on diverse and complex projects across various sectors and regions
Exposure to emerging trends and best practices in cost management and construction project management
Access to training and development programs to support career growth and progression

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's diverse project portfolio and global presence provide cost managers with opportunities to learn and grow in a dynamic and challenging environment. The organization's commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous learning ensures that employees remain at the forefront of industry best practices and emerging trends.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Can you describe your experience with cost management and budgeting for large-scale construction projects?
How do you approach identifying and mitigating cost overruns and variances in construction projects?
Can you discuss a time when you had to negotiate a change order or manage a complex procurement process?
How do you ensure that cost management processes are optimized and aligned with project goals and stakeholder expectations?

Company & Culture Questions:

How do you approach collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and internal teams?
Can you describe Turner & Townsend's culture and how it supports employee growth and development?
How do you ensure that cost management processes are compliant with internal financial systems, client-specific requirements, and applicable regulatory controls?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Prepare a portfolio showcasing relevant projects, cost management strategies, and financial reports
Highlight successful cost control, budgeting, and stakeholder communication examples
Be ready to discuss project challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work on project outcomes

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role is not web technology-specific, the interview preparation focuses on cost management experience, strategies, and best practices. Be prepared to discuss your cost management experience in detail and provide specific examples of successful cost control, budgeting, and stakeholder communication.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this cost management position with Turner & Townsend:

Submit your application through the application link provided in the job listing.
Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant cost management experience, projects, and achievements.
Prepare for the interview process by reviewing cost management best practices, industry standards, and specific project examples.
Research Turner & Townsend's company culture, values, and mission to ensure a strong cultural fit and alignment with your career goals.

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

Cost Manager – Data Center Construction