Turner & Townsend
Project Director – Cost Management – Data Center Construction
Turner & Townsend, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43224
Project Director – Cost Management – Data Center Construction
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Project Director – Cost Management – Data Center Construction
role at
Turner & Townsend
Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives.
Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.
Job Description This role is based onsite approximately one hour east of Columbus, Ohio, in Conesville. Candidates must be onsite at least 3 days per week. Per diem is available for candidates commuting from Franklin County (or the Columbus area), with mileage reimbursement provided.
Responsibilities
Provide executive-level leadership for cost management across all phases of a major data center program, ensuring governance, compliance, and alignment with organizational standards.
Define and implement commercial strategy, cost frameworks, and reporting structures for multi-billion-dollar budgets, including early-stage budgeting, detailed cost planning, procurement strategy, and risk mitigation.
Act as the senior point of contact for stakeholders, maintaining strong communication and transparency throughout all project stages.
Oversee full lifecycle cost management activities, including quantity surveying, cost controls, change management, and contingency tracking across multiple packages and phases.
Lead executive-level reporting, presenting cost performance, forecasts, and risk assessments to leadership teams and influencing strategic decisions.
Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost‑saving opportunities without compromising performance or quality.
Mentor and develop senior cost management leaders, ensuring capability growth, succession planning, and staff performance reviews.
Contribute to the enhancement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes for continuous improvement and best practice implementation.
Manage financial performance, including margin tracking, fee/resource forecasts, and compliance with internal Business Management Systems (BMS).
Support preconstruction activities, feasibility studies, and early‑stage cost modeling for future phases.
Build strategic relationships with clients, stakeholders, contractors, and vendors, acting as a trusted advisor and identifying opportunities for business growth and cross‑selling.
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; advanced degree preferred.
12+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with significant leadership experience at program level.
Proven track record managing large-scale, mission-critical construction programs (e.g., hyperscale data centers, energy infrastructure, industrial).
Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems at program level.
Strong knowledge of procurement strategies, commercial management, and construction contracts, including change management and risk allocation.
RICS accreditation or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence at executive level.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
Proficiency in industry-standard tools and software for cost management.
Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial.
Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques.
Knowledge of energy infrastructure, carbon capture technologies, and sustainability considerations is a plus.
Additional Information On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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Project Director – Cost Management – Data Center Construction
role at
Turner & Townsend
Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives.
Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.
Job Description This role is based onsite approximately one hour east of Columbus, Ohio, in Conesville. Candidates must be onsite at least 3 days per week. Per diem is available for candidates commuting from Franklin County (or the Columbus area), with mileage reimbursement provided.
Responsibilities
Provide executive-level leadership for cost management across all phases of a major data center program, ensuring governance, compliance, and alignment with organizational standards.
Define and implement commercial strategy, cost frameworks, and reporting structures for multi-billion-dollar budgets, including early-stage budgeting, detailed cost planning, procurement strategy, and risk mitigation.
Act as the senior point of contact for stakeholders, maintaining strong communication and transparency throughout all project stages.
Oversee full lifecycle cost management activities, including quantity surveying, cost controls, change management, and contingency tracking across multiple packages and phases.
Lead executive-level reporting, presenting cost performance, forecasts, and risk assessments to leadership teams and influencing strategic decisions.
Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost‑saving opportunities without compromising performance or quality.
Mentor and develop senior cost management leaders, ensuring capability growth, succession planning, and staff performance reviews.
Contribute to the enhancement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes for continuous improvement and best practice implementation.
Manage financial performance, including margin tracking, fee/resource forecasts, and compliance with internal Business Management Systems (BMS).
Support preconstruction activities, feasibility studies, and early‑stage cost modeling for future phases.
Build strategic relationships with clients, stakeholders, contractors, and vendors, acting as a trusted advisor and identifying opportunities for business growth and cross‑selling.
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; advanced degree preferred.
12+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with significant leadership experience at program level.
Proven track record managing large-scale, mission-critical construction programs (e.g., hyperscale data centers, energy infrastructure, industrial).
Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems at program level.
Strong knowledge of procurement strategies, commercial management, and construction contracts, including change management and risk allocation.
RICS accreditation or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence at executive level.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
Proficiency in industry-standard tools and software for cost management.
Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services is beneficial.
Ability to manage multiple phases and packages concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques.
Knowledge of energy infrastructure, carbon capture technologies, and sustainability considerations is a plus.
Additional Information On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
#J-18808-Ljbffr