Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction
- Company: Turner & Townsend
- Location: Manassas, Virginia, United States
- Job Type: On-site, Full-time
- Category: Construction Management
- Date Posted: 2025-08-08
- Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
🚀 Role Summary
- Drive construction cost services for clients in data center projects
- Promote Turner & Townsend's purpose and values
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver successful projects
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of construction industry technical matters and excellent communication skills to thrive in a dynamic, innovative, and client-focused environment.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- Bid Management: Advise clients on strategies, manage prequalification of vendors, assess proposals, and make final recommendations to the client.
- Estimating: Manage estimating services for full projects, develop project estimates, review estimations, present estimates to clients, and make value engineering recommendations.
- Cost Reporting: Manage cost reporting, establish reporting schedules, review and present cost reports and forecasts, and maintain commercial risk registers.
- Cost Control: Manage cost control processes, review payment application assessments, liaise with project managers, review requests for change orders, and manage payment requisitions, change orders, and contractual disputes.
- Invoicing & Final Accounting: Manage and monitor the invoicing process and oversee the final accounting process and post-contract audits and account close-outs.
- Post-Contract Reviews: Hold post-contract reviews with clients to establish lesson learned documents and apply lessons to create training manuals.
- Procedure Development: Develop procedures governing handover of projects.
- SOX Controls: Adhere to SOX control responsibilities where applicable.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience working in a cost management role in the construction industry, with a focus on supporting cost management on medium or large-sized construction projects. Construction consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
Required Skills:
- Strong knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proficiency in using Bid Analysis Sheets, Change Control Forms, Cost Estimating Software, and Take-off Software.
- SOX control knowledge and experience.
Preferred Skills:
- RICS accredited or working towards it.
- Experience supporting cost management on data center construction projects.
📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with data center-specific construction aspects would be beneficial for this role, given the project focus.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Detailed project case studies demonstrating cost management, estimating, and cost control skills.
- Examples of successful bid management strategies and vendor prequalification processes.
- Evidence of effective cost reporting and risk assessment techniques.
- Documentation of post-contract review processes and lesson learned documents.
Technical Documentation:
- Detailed project estimates and cost reports.
- Records of successful dispute prevention, management, and resolution procedures.
- Documentation of final accounting processes and post-contract audits.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $85,000 - $120,000 per year (based on industry standards for mid-level construction cost management roles in the United States)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement savings plan with company match.
- Generous time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Employee assistance program.
- Professional development opportunities and training.
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak project periods.
📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the company's internal compensation structure.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Global professional services firm specializing in project management, cost management, and consulting services for the built environment.
Company Size: Medium to large, with over 22,000 specialists in more than 60 countries.
Founded: 1946
Team Structure:
- Cross-functional teams consisting of project managers, cost managers, quantity surveyors, and other construction professionals.
- Collaborative and inclusive company culture that values diversity and promotes work-life balance.
Development Methodology:
- Turner & Townsend follows a structured project management approach, utilizing industry-standard methodologies such as PRINCE2 and PMP.
- The company emphasizes continuous improvement, innovation, and the use of digital technologies to enhance project delivery.
Company Website: Turner & Townsend
📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's global presence and diverse project portfolio provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level construction cost management role, with opportunities for growth into senior roles, team leadership, or specialized consulting positions.
Reporting Structure: This role will report directly to the Project Director or a senior member of the cost management team.
Technical Impact: The Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor will have a significant impact on project success by ensuring accurate cost estimation, effective cost control, and successful bid management. Their work will directly influence project budgets, timelines, and overall project delivery.
Growth Opportunities:
- Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated success, candidates can advance to senior cost management roles, project director positions, or specialized consulting positions within the company.
- Technical Skill Development: Turner & Townsend offers professional development opportunities, such as training programs, workshops, and conferences, to help employees enhance their technical skills and advance their careers.
- Leadership Potential: As employees gain experience and develop their skills, they may have the opportunity to take on team leadership roles, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to the company's strategic direction.
📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's global presence and diverse project portfolio provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces designed to foster teamwork and innovation.
Office Location(s): Manassas, Virginia, United States
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Environment: Turner & Townsend encourages open communication and collaboration among team members, with dedicated spaces for brainstorming, workshops, and team meetings.
- Technology & Tools: The company provides employees with access to industry-standard software, digital tools, and project management platforms to enhance productivity and efficiency.
- Work-Life Balance: Turner & Townsend promotes a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible working arrangements and encouraging employees to take time off when needed.
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak project periods. The work schedule may include occasional travel to project sites or client meetings.
📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being contributes to a positive and productive work environment for its employees.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A brief phone or video call to assess the candidate's qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
- Technical Interview: A more in-depth discussion of the candidate's technical skills, experience, and approach to cost management, estimating, and cost control. This may include case studies, problem-solving exercises, or presentations.
- Behavioral Interview: An assessment of the candidate's communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, as well as their alignment with Turner & Townsend's company values.
- Final Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager or a senior member of the cost management team to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the company's long-term goals.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight successful cost management strategies, estimating techniques, and cost control processes from previous projects.
- Include examples of effective bid management, vendor prequalification, and risk assessment strategies.
- Demonstrate an understanding of data center-specific construction aspects and their impact on project costs.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
- Practice explaining complex cost management concepts in a clear and concise manner.
- Prepare examples of successful cost savings, risk mitigation, and dispute resolution strategies from previous projects.
ATS Keywords: (Relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category)
- Construction Industry: Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Construction Estimating, Construction Project Management, Construction Consulting, Construction Bid Management, Construction Cost Control, Construction Risk Assessment, Construction Dispute Resolution, Construction Final Accounting, Construction Post-Contract Reviews, Construction Value Engineering, Construction Procurement, Construction Project Delivery, Construction Project Management Methodologies (PRINCE2, PMP)
- Construction Software: Cost Estimating Software, Take-off Software, Bid Analysis Sheets, Change Control Forms, Construction Project Management Software, Construction Accounting Software
- Construction Industry Standards: RICS, SOX, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, OHSAS 18001, Construction Industry Institute (CII), Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Construction Materials & Equipment: Construction Materials, Construction Equipment, Construction Supplies, Construction Subcontractors, Construction Vendors, Construction Procurement, Construction Logistics, Construction Site Management, Construction Health & Safety, Construction Environmental Management, Construction Sustainability, Construction Lean Construction, Construction Building Information Modeling (BIM), Construction Digital Twins, Construction Internet of Things (IoT), Construction Augmented Reality (AR), Construction Virtual Reality (VR)
📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend uses industry-standard software and project management methodologies, so candidates should be familiar with these tools and techniques.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Construction Software:
- Cost Estimating Software: CostX, Cubit, Vico Software
- Take-off Software: Bluebeam, PlanGrid, Procore
- Bid Analysis Sheets: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or other spreadsheet software
- Change Control Forms: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or other word processing software
- Construction Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, Basecamp
- Construction Accounting Software: Sage Intacct, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance
Construction Industry Standards:
- RICS: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
- SOX: Sarbanes-Oxley Act
- ISO 9001: International Organization for Standardization - Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001: International Organization for Standardization - Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001: International Organization for Standardization - Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- OHSAS 18001: Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series
- Construction Industry Institute (CII): Construction Industry Institute
- Project Management Institute (PMI): Project Management Institute
Construction Materials & Equipment:
- Construction Materials: Concrete, steel, timber, glass, insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials
- Construction Equipment: Cranes, excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery
- Construction Supplies: Nails, screws, bolts, adhesives, sealants, and other fasteners
- Construction Subcontractors: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, painting, and other specialized contractors
- Construction Vendors: Suppliers of construction materials, equipment, and supplies
- Construction Procurement: Strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and contract negotiation
- Construction Logistics: Site layout, material delivery, equipment transportation, and waste management
- Construction Site Management: Site safety, environmental management, and quality control
- Construction Health & Safety: Personal protective equipment (PPE), safety signage, and safety training
- Construction Environmental Management: Waste management, recycling, and sustainable construction practices
- Construction Sustainability: Energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration, and green building certifications
- Construction Lean Construction: Value stream mapping, waste reduction, and continuous improvement
- Construction Building Information Modeling (BIM): 3D modeling, clash detection, and construction simulation
- Construction Digital Twins: Virtual replicas of physical assets, used for monitoring, optimization, and predictive maintenance
- Construction Internet of Things (IoT): Sensor networks, data analytics, and automated control systems
- Construction Augmented Reality (AR): Real-time visualization, training, and maintenance assistance
- Construction Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive training, design review, and project visualization
📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend uses industry-standard software and project management methodologies, so candidates should be familiar with these tools and techniques.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Construction Values:
- Safety: Prioritize the safety of all team members, subcontractors, and visitors on construction sites.
- Quality: Deliver high-quality projects that meet or exceed client expectations.
- Sustainability: Minimize the environmental impact of construction activities and promote sustainable construction practices.
- Innovation: Encourage creativity, continuous improvement, and the adoption of new technologies.
- Collaboration: Foster a collaborative work environment that values teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing.
- Integrity: Act with honesty, transparency, and ethical standards in all aspects of the construction process.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Turner & Townsend encourages collaboration between project managers, cost managers, quantity surveyors, and other construction professionals, as well as with designers, stakeholders, and other project team members.
- Code Review Culture: Turner & Townsend promotes a culture of peer review and continuous improvement, with regular code reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Knowledge Sharing: Turner & Townsend encourages employees to share their knowledge and expertise with colleagues, contributing to the company's collective intelligence and continuous learning.
📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's collaborative work environment fosters teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning, contributing to the company's success and the professional development of its employees.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Cost Estimation: Accurately estimating project costs, including construction materials, labor, equipment, and contingency funds.
- Value Engineering: Identifying opportunities to reduce project costs without compromising quality or functionality.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating potential risks that could impact project costs, timelines, or quality.
- Dispute Resolution: Managing and resolving disputes between clients, contractors, and subcontractors to minimize their impact on project delivery.
- Final Accounting: Ensuring accurate and complete final accounting for construction projects, including the reconciliation of project budgets, actual costs, and final payments.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: Turner & Townsend offers professional development opportunities, such as training programs, workshops, and conferences, to help employees enhance their technical skills and advance their careers.
- Conference Attendance: Turner & Townsend encourages employees to attend industry conferences and events to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in the construction industry.
- Certification: Turner & Townsend supports employees in obtaining relevant certifications, such as RICS accreditation, to enhance their professional credibility and career prospects.
- Technical Mentorship: Turner & Townsend provides opportunities for employees to receive mentorship from senior team members, contributing to their professional growth and development.
- Leadership Development: Turner & Townsend offers leadership development programs to help employees acquire the skills and knowledge needed to take on team leadership and management roles.
📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's commitment to professional development and growth opportunities contributes to the company's success and the career advancement of its employees.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Cost Estimation: Describe your approach to cost estimation, including your consideration of construction materials, labor, equipment, and contingency funds.
- Value Engineering: Provide an example of a successful value engineering initiative you've led, and explain your process for identifying and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Risk Assessment: Explain your approach to risk assessment, and describe a challenging risk you've managed and how you mitigated its impact on the project.
- Dispute Resolution: Describe a complex dispute you've resolved, and explain your strategy for negotiating and mediating between conflicting parties.
- Final Accounting: Explain your process for ensuring accurate and complete final accounting for construction projects, and describe any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Company Culture: Describe what you value most about Turner & Townsend's company culture, and how it contributes to your professional development and job satisfaction.
- Team Collaboration: Explain how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams in previous roles, and how you've contributed to a positive and productive work environment.
- Problem-Solving: Describe a challenging problem you've faced in a previous role, and explain your approach to solving it, including any lessons learned and how you applied them to future projects.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Project Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of your cost management, estimating, and cost control work, highlighting your successes and the challenges you've overcome.
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Include examples of your risk assessment and mitigation strategies, and explain how you've managed and resolved potential issues throughout the project lifecycle.
- Dispute Resolution: Present examples of your dispute resolution strategies, and explain how you've successfully negotiated and mediated between conflicting parties to achieve project goals.
📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend values candidates who can demonstrate strong technical skills, a collaborative work style, and a commitment to the company's values and mission.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction position at Turner & Townsend:
- Review the Job Description: Carefully read the job description to ensure you meet the required qualifications and understand the responsibilities of the role.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments, focusing on cost management, estimating, and cost control.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio of your most impressive cost management, estimating, and cost control projects, demonstrating your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to quality and sustainability.
- Research Turner & Townsend: Learn about Turner & Townsend's company culture, values, and mission, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process.
- Practice Interview Questions: Review the technical and behavioral interview questions provided, and practice your responses to ensure you can clearly and confidently articulate your qualifications and experiences.
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the application link provided, including your resume, portfolio, and any other required documents.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 3-5 years of experience in cost management within the construction industry. RICS accreditation is valuable, along with strong communication skills and knowledge of construction technical matters.