MEP Senior Cost Manager - Data Centre

Job Description

Job Summary

As a Senior Cost Manager, you will lead the delivery of cost management services for large-scale data centre and mission-critical developments, with a strong focus on MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) systems and high-value packages.

You will be responsible for driving cost control, commercial strategy, and financial performance across the full lifecycle of projects, ensuring alignment with programme, procurement strategy, and delivery objectives. This role involves leading project teams, managing complex stakeholder environments, and overseeing commercial aspects of technically intensive works.

Team Leadership & Development

• Maintain the highest standards of professional integrity and commercial governance
• Lead and mentor cost management teams across multiple packages, including CSA and MEP disciplines
• Drive team performance in fast-paced, high-value project environments
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and capability building within the team

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the key commercial interface for MEP contractors, specialist vendors, and consultants
• Coordinate closely with design, engineering, and project management teams to align cost and technical requirements
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across procurement, construction, and commissioning phases
• Manage and resolve commercial issues relating to variations, claims, and change control

Project Strategy & Planning

• Develop and manage detailed cost plans, benchmarking, and estimating for data centre projects
• Provide cost advice on MEP systems including HVAC, electrical infrastructure (UPS, generators), and ELV systems
• Support procurement strategies for major trade packages such as:
  • Mechanical systems (cooling, chillers, CRAH/CRAC units)
  • Electrical systems (MV/LV distribution, backup power systems)
  • Specialist data centre installations
• Lead value engineering and cost optimisation initiatives during design and pre-construction stages

Project Controls & Reporting

• Act as Commission Manager, taking ownership of end-to-end cost delivery
• Manage cost planning, cost reporting, and forecasting across all project phases
• Lead preparation of monthly cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and commercial updates
• Monitor cost vs budget, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies
• Ensure robust change management and cost control processes are in place

Financial & Risk Management

• Lead commercial management of contracts including NEC, FIDIC, or equivalent forms
• Review and assess contractor claims, variations, and final accounts, particularly for MEP works
• Drive commercial negotiations with contractors and suppliers
• Oversee invoicing, cost tracking, and financial reporting to ensure compliance
• Identify and manage project risks related to cost, procurement, and delivery timelines

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
• Typically 7–12+ years of experience in cost management, with strong exposure to MEP or data centre projects
• Proven experience managing complex MEP packages and high-value procurement scopes
• Strong understanding of:
  • Cost planning and estimating
  • Contract administration
  • Procurement strategies
  • Commercial management of construction projects
• Experience working in fast-track, highly coordinated project environments
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Additional Information

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 life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. 

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/

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