📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Cost Manager – Data Center Construction
Company: Turner & Townsend
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Job Type: Hybrid (On-site presence required approximately 25 miles east of Milwaukee)
Category: Project Management, Construction, Data Center
Date Posted: August 1, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (3-6 years of experience)

🚀 Role Summary

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves managing cost aspects of data center construction projects, requiring strong analytical skills, familiarity with MEP systems, and excellent stakeholder communication.
Turner & Townsend is seeking a Cost Manager or Quantity Surveyor to support cost management on complex data center projects. You will work with clients, contractors, and internal teams to help deliver projects on time and within budget.
This role is ideal for someone with solid experience in cost control and financial reporting, looking to grow into a more senior 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).

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.
Experience with MEP systems.
Construction consultancy experience.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A - This role is not web development-focused)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $120,000 per year (Estimated based on regional market data for similar roles in Milwaukee, WI)

Benefits:

Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement savings plan with company match.
Generous time off and flexible working arrangements.
Employee assistance program.
Professional development opportunities and career growth.

Working Hours: Full-time, with regular on-site visits required approximately 25 miles east of Milwaukee.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Turner & Townsend is a global professional services firm specializing in project management, cost management, and consulting across various industries, including data centers, infrastructure, and real estate.

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

Founded: 1946

Team Structure:

The team consists of experienced project managers, cost managers, engineers, and support staff working on data center construction projects.
The role reports directly to the Project Director or similar senior role, with a matrixed reporting line to the Cost Management Lead.
Cross-functional collaboration with design consultants, engineers, contractors, and internal teams is essential for success in this role.

Development Methodology:

Turner & Townsend follows industry-standard project management methodologies, such as Prince2, PMP, and Agile, tailored to specific client needs.
The company emphasizes collaborative working, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.

Company Website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's culture values collaboration, innovation, and client focus, with a strong emphasis on delivering transformational projects and driving client success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: N/A - This role is not web development-focused.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Project Director or similar senior role, with a matrixed reporting line to the Cost Management Lead.

Technical Impact: As a Cost Manager, you will have a significant impact on project financial outcomes, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Your technical expertise will help identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate financial risks.

Growth Opportunities:

Progression to senior cost management roles, such as Senior Cost Manager or Associate Director.
Transition into other areas of project management or consulting within Turner & Townsend.
Opportunities for international assignments and exposure to diverse projects and industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend offers a clear career progression path, with opportunities for professional development and growth within the cost management discipline and across the broader project management and consulting spectrum.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid - A mix of on-site and remote work, with regular on-site visits required approximately 25 miles east of Milwaukee.

Office Location(s): Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (with regular on-site visits required approximately 25 miles east of Milwaukee)

Workspace Context:

Turner & Townsend's offices provide a collaborative and inclusive working environment, with access to modern tools and technologies to support project management and cost management activities.
On-site visits to data center construction projects will be required, offering firsthand exposure to complex infrastructure projects and the opportunity to work with diverse stakeholders.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with regular on-site visits required approximately 25 miles east of Milwaukee. Working hours may vary depending on project demands and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's hybrid work environment offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance while delivering exceptional results for clients.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process (N/A - This role is not web development-focused)

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure (N/A - This role is not web development-focused)

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values: N/A - This role is not web development-focused.

Collaboration Style:

Turner & Townsend fosters a collaborative culture, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, cross-functional teamwork, and stakeholder engagement.
The company encourages open communication, active listening, and a solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.
Turner & Townsend values diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance, creating an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's collaborative culture and commitment to employee development make it an attractive place to work for professionals seeking to grow their careers in project management, cost management, and consulting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Managing complex data center construction projects, requiring strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Navigating diverse stakeholder relationships, including clients, contractors, and internal teams.
Staying up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in cost management and project delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Turner & Townsend offers a range of professional development opportunities, including training programs, workshops, and mentoring initiatives.
Employees have the opportunity to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to different industries and markets.
The company encourages continuous learning and supports employees in pursuing relevant certifications and qualifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's commitment to employee development and growth provides professionals with the opportunity to expand their skills and advance their careers in a dynamic and supportive environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions: N/A - This role is not web development-focused.

Company & Culture Questions:

Research Turner & Townsend's history, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its commitment to delivering transformational projects.
Prepare examples of your experience managing complex projects, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and driving cost savings through strategic decision-making.
Familiarize yourself with Turner & Townsend's approach to project management, cost management, and consulting, and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's values and culture.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: N/A - This role is not web development-focused.

📝 Enhancement Note: To succeed in the interview process, candidates should focus on demonstrating their project management, cost management, and stakeholder engagement skills, with a strong emphasis on delivering results and driving client success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Cost Manager – Data Center Construction position:

Submit your application through the application link provided.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in cost management, project controls, and data center construction.
Prepare for the interview by researching Turner & Townsend's history, values, and recent projects, as well as your own experience and achievements in cost management and project delivery.
Practice common project management and cost management interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills, stakeholder engagement, and strategic decision-making abilities.
Consider the company's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance, and be ready to discuss how these values resonate with your personal and professional goals.

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

Cost Manager – Data Center Construction