Senior Cost Manager - Data Centre

Job Description

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to lead the delivery of cost management and commercial advisory services for mission-critical data centre projects across the full project lifecycle.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing strategic cost planning, procurement leadership, commercial management, and client advisory services from project inception through completion. This position requires strong experience in either MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Public Health) or CSA (Civil, Structural & Architectural) disciplines, with preference given to candidates possessing significant MEP data centre expertise.

The role will work closely with clients, consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets while maintaining programme, quality, and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Planning & Pre-Contract Services

• Lead the preparation of feasibility studies, conceptual estimates, detailed cost plans, cost benchmarking, and project budgets.
• Provide strategic cost advice during planning, design development, and procurement stages.
• Develop procurement strategies and commercial recommendations aligned with project objectives.
• Identify commercial risks, cost drivers, and value engineering opportunities.
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking of data centre construction costs.
• Support clients with investment decisions, budget approvals, and business case development.

Procurement & Commercial Strategy

• Lead procurement activities including tender preparation, bid evaluations, commercial assessments, and contract recommendations.
• Review tender returns, analyse pricing submissions, and prepare tender evaluation reports.
• Support contract negotiations and commercial discussions with project stakeholders.
• Provide advice on procurement routes, packaging strategies, and contract structures.

Post-Contract Cost Management

• Monitor project costs, commitments, variation management, and financial performance.
• Review payment applications, change orders, contractor claims, and final accounts.
• Prepare cost reports, forecasts, and commercial updates for clients and project leadership teams.
• Ensure commercial governance procedures are followed throughout project delivery.
• Identify and manage commercial risks to achieve successful project outcomes.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a trusted commercial advisor and primary client interface.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, designers, consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
• Lead cost reviews, commercial workshops, procurement meetings, and stakeholder discussions.
• Present cost plans, commercial reports, risk assessments, and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Ensure a high level of client satisfaction through proactive communication and service excellence.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and support Cost Managers, Assistant Cost Managers, and Quantity Surveyors.
• Review project deliverables and ensure quality, consistency, and accuracy.
• Support resource planning and workload allocation across projects.
• Promote continuous improvement, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Contribute to team development and recruitment initiatives when required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or Project Cost Consultancy.
• Professional accreditation (e.g. MRICS or equivalent) is preferred.
• Proven experience in delivering data centre, mission-critical, advanced technology, semiconductor, industrial, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong experience across both pre-contract and post-contract cost management functions.
• Experience gained within a cost consultancy, project management consultancy, engineering consultancy, contractor, or client-side environment.
• Candidates with significant MEP cost management experience on data centre or mission-critical projects will be highly preferred.

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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