Cost Manager - 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 Manager to support cost management on major, mission-critical data center developments in the Madison County, MS area. These projects involve multi-site campuses, advanced sustainability measures, and significant infrastructure upgrades to support next-generation technology.

As part of the team, you will play a key role in cost control and financial oversight, with a strong emphasis on change order management, pay application reviews, cash flow forecasting, and overall cost governance. You’ll collaborate with clients, contractors, and internal teams to help ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Responsibilities:

• Support cost management activities across large-scale, multi-phase data center construction projects.
• Assist with developing cost plans, estimates, and budgets aligned with project scope and objectives.
• Monitor cost control processes, track actuals vs. forecasts, and report variances.
• Review and validate change orders, ensuring proper documentation and cost justification.
• Perform pay application reviews, verifying accuracy, compliance, and appropriate backup.
• Contribute to cash flow management and forecasting, aligning with project timelines and commitments.
• Support procurement strategies, bid analysis, and contractor negotiations.
• Prepare and maintain cost reports, forecasts, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Track contingencies, commitments, and cost impacts across packages or phases.
• Participate in value engineering and design optimization initiatives, including sustainability measures.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial systems and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain historical cost data and support continuous improvement of processes and tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Assist with benchmarking and market analysis to support accurate cost forecasting.
• Help implement and improve cost management tools, templates, and reporting standards.
• Support risk analysis and mitigation planning for cost-related impacts.
• Provide input for monthly progress reports and client presentations.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field.
• 3–6 years of experience in cost management or project controls.
• Experience supporting large-scale construction projects (data centers, high-tech, industrial preferred).
• Strong exposure to cost management aspects, including:
  • Change order review and negotiation.
  • Pay application review and validation.
  • Cash flow forecasting and cost reporting.
• Familiarity with procurement processes and commercial management of contracts.
• RICS accreditation or working toward it is a plus.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in cost management tools and software.
• Knowledge of MEP systems is beneficial.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications for cost analysis.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills for detailed cost modeling.
• Comfort working in fast-paced environments with multiple stakeholders.

Additional Information

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

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and lif