Job Details

Associate Director of Cost Management

Turner & Townsend is looking for an Associate Director of Cost Management to lead commercial strategy and cost governance for a large-scale, multi-phase data center development program. This position is based onsite approximately one hour east of Columbus, Ohio, in Conesville. Per diem is available for candidates commuting from Franklin County (or the Columbus area), with mileage reimbursement provided. Candidates must be onsite at least 3 days per week.

This role will oversee budgeting, cost planning, procurement strategy, and risk management across multiple packages and phases, ensuring compliance and alignment with program objectives. You will provide executive-level reporting, advise on contracting and procurement models, and drive value engineering initiatives to optimize design and reduce costs.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in cost management for complex construction programs, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. You will mentor and develop high-performing teams, enhance internal processes, and act as a trusted advisor throughout the project lifecycle. This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering one of the most significant technology infrastructure programs in the region.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership for cost management across multi-phase data center programs, ensuring governance, compliance, and alignment with organizational standards.
• Developing and implementing cost strategies, frameworks, and reporting structures for multi-billion-dollar budgets, including early-stage budgeting, detailed cost planning, procurement strategy, and risk mitigation.
• Acting as the primary client interface, maintaining strong communication with stakeholders and consultants throughout all project stages.
• Advising senior stakeholders on commercial strategy, procurement models, and contract negotiations for complex packages involving energy infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.
• Overseeing full lifecycle cost management activities, including quantity surveying, cost controls, change management, and contingency tracking across multiple packages and phases.
• Leading executive-level reporting, presenting cost performance, forecasts, and risk assessments to leadership teams.
• Driving value engineering and design optimization initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising performance.
• Mentoring and developing cost management teams, ensuring capability growth, succession planning, and staff performance reviews.
• Contributing to the enhancement of internal cost management tools, templates, and processes for continuous improvement and best practice implementation.
• Managing financial performance, including margin tracking, fee/resource forecasts, and compliance with internal Business Management Systems (BMS).
• Supporting preconstruction activities, feasibility studies, and early-stage cost modeling for future phases.
• Building strong 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 include:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in cost management or project controls, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience 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 senior stakeholders.
• 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.
• 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.