📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction
Company: Turner & Townsend
Location: Manassas, Virginia, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Construction Management
Date Posted: 2025-08-08
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead cost management efforts on data center construction projects, ensuring client objectives are met through value-added services.
Serve as the primary client interface, fostering strong relationships and driving project success.
Demonstrate exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills to manage project costs effectively.
Collaborate with design teams, general contractors, and other stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering, to make informed decisions and maximize project value.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cost Management: Estimate, negotiate, and manage change orders throughout the construction lifecycle. Prepare cost plans, cost estimates, and cost reports for presentation to clients.
Client Interface: Act as the key client contact, ensuring client objectives are met and maintaining strong relationships through open communication and regular updates.
Cost Control: Manage cost impacts, contingency management, and commitment tracking logs. Participate in value engineering exercises and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
Team Leadership: Lead and mentor team members, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes excellence in service delivery and achieves great outcomes.
Financial Management: Utilize internal software to track ongoing margin levels and monthly fee/resource forecasts for each commission. Implement and maintain the use of internal Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies and tools in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a proactive approach to resolving scheduling issues, managing cost variances, and ensuring that final accounts are negotiated and agreed upon in a timely manner.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in construction management, cost management, quantity surveying, engineering, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience working in a cost management role in the construction industry, with a strong preference for construction consultancy experience.

Required Skills:

Excellent communication skills
Strong leadership and team management abilities
Proficiency in cost estimation, change management, and cost control processes
Knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering
Familiarity with internal software for tracking ongoing margin levels and monthly fee/resource forecasts
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred Skills:

RICS accredited or working towards it
Experience leading cost management on medium or large-sized construction projects of medium to high complexity
Familiarity with internal Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies and tools

📊 Portfolio & Project Requirements

Cost Management Portfolio: Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in cost management, including cost plans, cost estimates, and cost reports for various construction projects. Highlight your ability to manage project costs effectively and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Client Interface Case Studies: Develop case studies demonstrating your ability to serve as an effective client interface, fostering strong relationships and driving project success. Include examples of open communication, regular updates, and successful project outcomes.
Cost Control Demonstrations: Prepare demonstrations or presentations showcasing your ability to manage cost impacts, contingency management, and commitment tracking logs. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly required, demonstrating your skills and experience through relevant case studies and examples will significantly strengthen your application.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for Senior Cost Managers/Quantity Surveyors with 5-10 years of experience in the construction industry)

Benefits:

Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement savings plan with company match
Generous time off policy, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Professional development opportunities and career growth
Inclusive company culture that values diversity and promotes work-life balance

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with on-site presence required. Working hours may vary depending on project needs and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for Senior Cost Managers/Quantity Surveyors with the required experience level. Actual salary may vary depending on factors such as location, company size, and individual qualifications.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Turner & Townsend operates in the global construction and engineering industry, specializing in consultancy, project delivery, and post-project operations. The company works with clients across various sectors, including data centers, to deliver transformational projects that matter.

Company Size: Turner & Townsend is a large, global organization with over 22,000 specialists in more than 60 countries. This size allows the company to offer extensive resources, expertise, and opportunities for career growth.

Founded: 1946 (as a partnership; incorporated in 1990)

Team Structure:

The team consists of experienced cost management professionals, working collaboratively to deliver projects on time and within budget.
The role reports directly to the Project Director or a similar role, depending on the project's size and complexity.
The team works closely with design teams, general contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure project success.

Development Methodology:

Turner & Townsend follows a structured project delivery methodology, focusing on collaboration, communication, and risk management.
The company uses internal software and tools to track project progress, manage costs, and ensure consistent delivery of best practice for clients and the company.

Company Website: Turner & Townsend

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's global presence and extensive experience in the construction industry provide a unique opportunity for the Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor to work on large, complex projects and gain exposure to diverse sectors and international markets.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Cost Management Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the cost management function, requiring a high level of technical expertise, leadership, and client management skills. The role involves leading cost management efforts on medium to large-sized construction projects, driving project success through effective cost management strategies.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor reports directly to the Project Director or a similar role, depending on the project's size and complexity. The role may also involve managing and mentoring junior team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment.

Technical Impact: The Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor plays a critical role in driving project success by managing project costs effectively, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget. The role requires a strong understanding of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering, to make informed decisions and maximize project value.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated success, the Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor may progress to more senior roles, such as Associate Director or Director, leading larger teams and managing more complex projects.
Technical Specialization: The role offers opportunities to specialize in specific sectors or technical areas, such as data centers, infrastructure, or residential development.
International Experience: Turner & Townsend's global presence provides opportunities for international assignments, allowing the Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor to gain exposure to diverse markets and cultures.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's large, global organization and diverse project portfolio offer extensive opportunities for career growth, technical specialization, and international experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Turner & Townsend's offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation, creativity, and teamwork. The company encourages an agile, flexible working environment that promotes work-life balance.

Office Location(s): Turner & Townsend has offices in over 60 countries, with the specific office location for this role in Manassas, Virginia, United States. The company offers flexible working arrangements, allowing employees to work from various locations as needed.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to encourage collaboration and teamwork, with open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas.
Technology and Tools: Turner & Townsend provides employees with the latest technology and tools to perform their jobs effectively, including laptops, software, and project management tools.
Team Interaction: The role involves close collaboration with design teams, general contractors, and other stakeholders, both within the Turner & Townsend team and externally. The office environment facilitates regular team meetings, workshops, and project reviews to ensure effective communication and project success.

Work Schedule: The role requires a full-time, on-site presence, with working hours typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, working hours may vary depending on project needs and client requirements. Turner & Townsend offers flexible working arrangements, allowing employees to work from various locations as needed and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's modern, collaborative workspaces and flexible working arrangements create an ideal environment for the Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor to thrive and achieve great outcomes.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A brief phone or video call to assess your qualifications, experience, and cultural fit for the role.
Technical Interview: A more in-depth discussion focusing on your cost management experience, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities. This may include case studies, scenario-based questions, and a review of your portfolio.
Client Meeting: A meeting with the client or a representative to discuss the project's specific needs, objectives, and expectations for the role.
Final Evaluation: A review of your application materials, technical interview performance, and client meeting feedback to determine if you are the best fit for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in cost management, including cost plans, cost estimates, and cost reports for various construction projects.
Highlight your ability to manage project costs effectively and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Include examples of your ability to serve as an effective client interface, fostering strong relationships and driving project success.
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to manage cost impacts, contingency management, and commitment tracking logs.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management, and value engineering.
Review your experience in cost estimation, change management, and cost control processes.
Prepare examples of your ability to manage cost impacts, contingency management, and commitment tracking logs.
Familiarize yourself with Turner & Townsend's project delivery methodology, internal software, and tools.

ATS Keywords: Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Construction Industry, Project Delivery, Client Interface, Cost Control, Value Engineering, Construction Consultancy, Data Center Construction, Construction Management, Technical Leadership, Team Management, Portfolio, Interview Preparation, Career Growth, Turner & Townsend

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in cost management, you will increase your chances of success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Construction Infrastructure

Cost Management Tools:

Turner & Townsend uses a range of cost management tools, including:
- Cost planning and estimating software (e.g., CostX, Causeway)
- Project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera)
- Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies (e.g., Turner & Townsend's proprietary systems)

Construction Infrastructure:

Turner & Townsend works on a wide range of construction projects, including data centers, infrastructure, residential, and commercial developments. The specific construction infrastructure for this role will depend on the project's requirements and the client's needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's use of industry-standard cost management tools and experience working on diverse construction projects enable the Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor to deliver projects effectively and efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Turner & Townsend Values:

Client Focus: Turner & Townsend prioritizes client satisfaction and delivers value-added services that meet and exceed client expectations.
Integrity: The company upholds the highest ethical standards, acting with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of its business.
Excellence: Turner & Townsend strives for excellence in all aspects of its work, continuously improving its services and processes to deliver the best possible outcomes for clients.
Collaboration: The company fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging teamwork, knowledge sharing, and open communication.
Innovation: Turner & Townsend encourages creativity, innovation, and continuous learning, driving progress and improvement in the construction industry.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Turner & Townsend's teams consist of professionals from various disciplines, including cost management, project management, and design. The company encourages close collaboration and knowledge sharing between teams to deliver projects effectively.
Code Review Culture: Turner & Townsend fosters a culture of peer review and continuous improvement, encouraging team members to learn from one another and share best practices.
Knowledge Sharing: The company promotes a culture of knowledge sharing, with regular training, workshops, and team meetings to ensure that team members remain up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's values and collaboration style create an inclusive, supportive work environment that enables the Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor to thrive and achieve great outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cost Management Complexity: Data center construction projects can be complex, with intricate cost management requirements. The Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor must be able to navigate these complexities and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Client Interface: Serving as the primary client contact, the Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor must be able to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and expectations and delivering projects that meet or exceed those expectations.
Stakeholder Management: The role requires managing relationships with various stakeholders, including design teams, general contractors, and other project team members. The Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor must be able to balance the needs and expectations of these stakeholders and deliver projects that meet or exceed their requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated success, the Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor may progress to more senior roles, such as Associate Director or Director, leading larger teams and managing more complex projects.
Technical Specialization: The role offers opportunities to specialize in specific sectors or technical areas, such as data centers, infrastructure, or residential development.
International Experience: Turner & Townsend's global presence provides opportunities for international assignments, allowing the Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor to gain exposure to diverse markets and cultures.
Continuous Learning: Turner & Townsend encourages continuous learning and professional development, offering regular training, workshops, and team meetings to ensure that team members remain up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's technical challenges and learning opportunities provide the Senior Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor with a dynamic, engaging work environment that fosters continuous growth and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Cost Management: Describe your experience in cost management, including cost planning, estimating, and change management. Provide examples of your ability to manage project costs effectively and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Client Interface: Discuss your experience serving as a primary client contact, building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and expectations, and delivering projects that meet or exceed those expectations.
Stakeholder Management: Explain your approach to managing relationships with various stakeholders, balancing their needs and expectations and delivering projects that meet or exceed their requirements.
Problem-Solving: Describe a challenging cost management scenario you faced in a previous role and how you resolved it. Highlight your ability to think critically, analyze data, and make informed decisions under pressure.

Company & Culture Questions:

Turner & Townsend Values: Explain how you embody Turner & Townsend's values, such as client focus, integrity, excellence, collaboration, and innovation, in your daily work.
Teamwork: Describe your experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively, share knowledge, and support team members to achieve great outcomes.
Adaptability: Discuss your ability to adapt to new situations, technologies, or project requirements. Provide examples of your flexibility and willingness to learn and grow in your role.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Cost Management Portfolio: Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in cost management, including cost plans, cost estimates, and cost reports for various construction projects. Highlight your ability to manage project costs effectively and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Client Interface Case Studies: Develop case studies demonstrating your ability to serve as an effective client interface, fostering strong relationships and driving project success. Include examples of open communication, regular updates, and successful project outcomes.
Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to engage the interviewer and bring your portfolio and case studies to life. Highlight the impact of your work on project success and the value you brought to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in cost management, you will increase your chances of success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction position at Turner & Townsend:

Submit Your Application: Click the "Apply Now" button on the job listing to submit your resume, cover letter, and any other required documents.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your experience in cost management, including cost plans, cost estimates, and cost reports for various construction projects. Showcase your ability to manage project costs effectively and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Research Turner & Townsend: Familiarize yourself with Turner & Townsend's company culture, values, and project delivery methodology. Understand the specific needs and expectations of the role, and prepare thoughtful, insightful responses to interview questions.
Practice Interview Questions: Review the technical and company & culture questions provided, and practice your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This will help you articulate your experiences and accomplishments clearly and effectively.
Prepare for the Interview: Dress professionally, arrive early, and bring any necessary documents, such as your portfolio and references. Make sure to have questions prepared for the interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the role and Turner & Townsend as an organization.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and Turner & Townsend-specific context. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction