Associate Director - Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

Associate Director, Cost Management

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Associate Director to lead and oversee cost management on a major data center campus project in Racine County, Wisconsin. This development includes multiple large-scale facilities designed to support advanced technologies, making it one of the most significant construction efforts in the region. As an Associate Director, you will provide strategic leadership across all cost management activities, ensure delivery excellence, and drive client relationships at the highest level. You will lead teams, influence project outcomes, and contribute to business growth while maintaining compliance and quality standards. This is a hybrid role with regular on-site visits required approximately 35 miles west of North Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the full lifecycle of cost management activities on large-scale, mission-critical projects.
• Provide strategic direction on cost planning, estimating, procurement, and commercial management.
• Manage and mentor senior cost managers and project teams.
• Advise clients at executive level on cost risks, procurement strategies, and commercial negotiations.
• Prepare and present executive-level reports and forecasts to senior stakeholders.
• Drive value engineering and design optimization initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial systems, client-specific requirements, and regulatory controls.
• Maintain and enhance benchmarking data and cost management tools.
• Lead business development efforts and support proposal development.
• Represent Turner & Townsend in client meetings and industry forums.
• Monitor market trends and provide insights on material pricing, labor rates, and supply chain risks.
• Implement robust change management processes.
• Support contract administration and dispute resolution.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and training programs.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field. 10+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with significant leadership responsibilities. Proven track record managing large-scale, mission-critical construction projects. Strong consultancy background with experience in client-facing leadership roles. Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control systems. Advanced knowledge of procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor / vendor contracts. RICS accreditation or equivalent professional qualification preferred. Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills. Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Proficiency in industry-standard tools and software for cost management.

Additional Information

The salary range for this full-time role is $140K-$175K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate's experience and qualifications. On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our clients' needs.