Cost Estimator - Data Center Construction

Company Description

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. 

Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. 

Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. 

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world. 

Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Cost Estimator to support estimating and cost management services for a high‑profile client’s large‑scale, multi‑billion‑dollar data center construction portfolio. This role contributes to multi‑building campus developments, new greenfield facilities, and major expansion efforts within a single, complex program of work.

Preference is for the position to be based in the San Francisco Bay Area, however, remote work is supported.

The role requires strong estimating capability, the ability to operate effectively within large, fast‑moving construction environments, and experience supporting multi‑phase delivery across major capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed construction estimates and cost plans across all project stages (concept, schematic, design development, and detailed design).
• Perform quantity takeoffs and cost checks for complex, multi‑package scopes.
• Support bid reviews by analyzing contractor proposals, performing comparative assessments, and preparing recommendations.
• Contribute to benchmarking efforts by maintaining and applying cost data and historical metrics across the broader program.
• Participate in value engineering (VE) workshops and help identify practical cost‑optimization opportunities.
• Assist with feasibility studies and early‑stage cost modeling activities.
• Maintain strong communication with clients, contractors, and design teams to ensure clarity of scope, assumptions, and basis of estimate.
• Assist with preparation of procurement and tender documentation.
• Support procurement activities including prequalification, bid list development, bid analysis, tender reporting, and contract documentation.
• Collaborate with internal cost management teams to support alignment between estimating, procurement, and program‑level cost planning.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role and must be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience preparing estimates for large-scale construction programs.
• Experience with large‑scale construction projects; mission‑critical or data center experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction cost fundamentals, quantity takeoff, and general building systems.
• Familiarity with CSA scopes, with some exposure to MEP cost components beneficial.
• Understanding of construction procurement methods and commercial contract structures.
• Experience contributing to value engineering, feasibility assessments, or design/cost optimization discussions.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, including client‑facing presentation capabilities.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative project environment.
• Hands‑on experience with CostX (2D/3D takeoff, assemblies, and workbooks) is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with estimating/technical tools such as AutoCAD, or Navisworks preferred.
• RICS accreditation or progress toward certification is a plus.

Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.

The salary range for this role is $100,000K-$140,000 USD. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of the posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits