Director Of Data Center Sector Client Development

From the inception of a project through to completion and beyond, Turner & Townsend help to deliver the outcomes that matter through transformational projects covering the full spectrum of consultancy, project delivery, and post-project operations. With offices located globally, you're never far away from our services. With over 22,000 specialists in more than 64 countries, we blend local knowledge with global insight to tackle challenges of any scale.

Our team is dynamic, innovative, and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity, and the quality we deliver. As a result, our people get to enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world.

Job Description

Turner & Townsend are engaged to support our clients with many complex Data Center projects, responsible for all aspects of cost management and project delivery. We are seeking an ambitious Director level Cost Manager/Project Manager to act as the day-to-day interface with clients and drive large Data Center projects to successful outcomes. This role will be responsible for significantly driving our Data Center Sector Business Development and will be expected to bring in a significant book of new business within the first 18 months. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of mission-critical infrastructure as part of a team of innovative professionals.

This role requires a seasoned professional with proven expertise in Data Center/Mission Critical project management, cost planning, cost control, estimating, procurement, and financial management. You should be confident interpreting technical drawings, managing large-scale budgets, and using industry-standard tools to deliver precise, data-driven insights. Familiarity with MEP systems is beneficial, along with the ability to lead commercial negotiations and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Data Center Cost and Project Management Teams, ensuring delivery on all accountabilities.
• Act as the primary interface with clients, stakeholders, and consultants across all project stages.
• Develop strong client relationships, including potential on-site presence to facilitate delivery.
• Implement and maintain cost control systems to manage project financials.
• Create and manage change order logs, ensure approval protocols, and conduct audits.
• Manage financial closeout, prepare final cost reconciliations and reports, and ensure all financial obligations are resolved before handover.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and lead value engineering initiatives.
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact.
• Maintain a database of cost benchmarks for data center projects.
• Collaborate with design and construction teams to optimize resource allocation.
• Ensure adherence to client policies, financial standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and participate in ISO audits.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost management procedures, templates, and products.
• Lead proposals for new work or variations and identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Attend networking events and promotional opportunities.
• Manage cost checks, valuations, and change control processes.
• Prepare funding data presentations and coordinate VE sessions with stakeholders.
• Utilize project management tools to track margin levels and monthly forecasts.
• Input key learnings into internal databases and share knowledge across teams.
• Participate in staff recruitment, performance reviews, and formal management processes.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Graduate degree in quantity surveying, cost management, construction management, or engineering is preferred.
• Minimum 12 years in mega project management for large, mission-critical construction projects (e.g., Data Centers, High Tech, Industrial).
• 12+ years of relevant cost management or quantity surveying experience.
• 5+ years managing high performing Cost and Project Management teams in a consulting environment.
• Prior people management experience.
• Proven track record of managing successful service delivery for clients.
• Exceptional business development acumen and ambition to drive business growth.
• Major construction sector experience working with high caliber clients in; commercial real estate, data center, life sciences, industrial manufacturing, natural resources, etc.
• Demonstrates excellent presentation, verbal, written, organizational, and communication skills.