Senior Cost Manager/Commercial Manager - Data Centre

Company Description

At Turner & Townsend we’re passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realize their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society.
Every day we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects, in over 130 countries worldwide.
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

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to join our organisation in Riyadh. This position will focus on Data Centre Projects and the full lifecycle of our cost management services across large‑scale, mission‑critical facilities and be responsible for ensuring robust commercial control, cost certainty, and strategic advisory across hyperscale data centre developments

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership & Cost Strategy

• Lead the development and management of project budgets, cost plans, and forecasting for data centre developments.
• Provide strategic cost advice on value engineering, procurement strategies, and cost optimisation.
• Establish cost control frameworks aligned with programme, risk, and delivery strategies.

Cost Planning & Pre‑Contract Services

• Oversee preparation of detailed cost estimates, benchmarking, and feasibility studies.
• Lead cost planning through concept, design, and pre‑construction stages.
• Challenge design solutions and propose alternatives to optimise cost, performance, and constructability in mission‑critical environments.

Procurement & Tender Management

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for CSA, MEP, and specialist systems (e.g. power, cooling, containment).
• Lead tender processes including tender documentation, evaluations, negotiations, and recommendations.
• Ensure commercial alignment across multiple contract packages and vendors.

Post‑Contract Cost Control

• Manage post‑contract activities including variations, change control, claims assessment, and cost reporting.
• Oversee contractor valuations and certify payments in line with contractual terms.
• Lead final account negotiations and project close‑out.

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as the primary commercial interface with clients, project teams, and key stakeholders.
• Present cost reports, forecasts, and commercial insights to senior stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring a high level of service delivery.

Data Centre / Technical Coordination

• Work closely with engineering teams to understand power, cooling, redundancy (Tier standards), and infrastructure requirements.
• Provide commercial oversight on critical systems including UPS, generators, chillers, CRAH/CRAC units, and structured cabling.
• Support alignment between design intent and cost efficiency in highly technical environments.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead and mentor Cost Managers and Assistant Cost Managers within the team.
• Review deliverables to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with project standards.
• Support team development and capability building.

Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with internal governance, financial controls, and client reporting requirements.
• Identify cost risks early and develop mitigation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across data centre project

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Professional accreditation (e.g. MRICS or equivalent) is preferred.

Experience

• 10–15 years’ experience in cost management within construction projects.
• Proven experience delivering data centre, mission‑critical, or high‑tech industrial projects.
• Strong exposure to CSA and MEP trade packages, including complex and high‑value procurement.
• Experience working in fast‑track, high‑pressure delivery environments with multiple stakeholders.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Deep understanding of cost management principles, procurement, and contract administration
• Ability to manage complexity across multi‑package, multi‑vendor environments
• Proactive, detail‑oriented, and results‑driven

Additional Information

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It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. 

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review. 

Join our social media conversations for more information about Turner & Townsend and our exciting future projects: 

Twitter

Instagram

LinkedIn

It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. 

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.