Cost Manager/ Quantity Surveyor (Director/ Associate Director)

Company Description

Turner & Townsend is a leading independent professional services company specializing in program management, project management, cost management and consulting across the property, infrastructure and natural resources sectors. With 108 offices in 45 countries, we draw on our extensive global and industry experience to manage risk while maximizing value and performance during the construction and operation of our clients’ assets. We are an Equal opportunity employer who will ensure accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request

We are seeking an experienced Professional Project Lead Cost Manager/Quantity Surveyor to join our dynamic team in Johannesburg. This role will focus on data centre projects, which involve high-spec technical requirements and fast-track delivery schedules. The ideal individual should have a strong background in cost management, commercial control, risk mitigation and value optimization across building and infrastructure projects.

Experience with MEPF (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire) services will be highly beneficial, given the complexity and importance of these systems in data centres. Prior data centre experience is advantageous but not mandatory.

You will play a key role in working with the account lead to ensure accurate cost estimation, financial reporting, process efficiency and contractual compliance throughout the project lifecycle as well as management, growth and development of the project team

Job Description

Cost Planning & Estimation:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and Bills of Quantities (BoQ) for construction projects, including specialized systems common in data centres (e.g. MEPF services and equipment)
• Conduct value engineering exercises to identify cost savings proposals without compromising quality
• Develop multi-scenario forecasts to support client decision-making
• Provide accurate cost advice throughout the design and construction phases

Tendering & Procurement:

• Manage tender processes, including preparation of prequalification, tender lists, tender documents and evaluation of bids
• Negotiate with contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and value for money
• Advise on procurement strategies to optimize supplier selection and contract terms

Contract Administration:

• Draft and review contracts in line with client standards, FIDIC and JBCC standards
• Oversee post-contract cost control: Interim valuations, progress payments, change orders, and final accounts
• Manage contractual claims (e.g., variations, EOTs) with quantum assessments and entitlement reviews
• Monitor cost variances against baselines, implementing corrective actions to maintain budget adherence

Project Financial Control:

• Produce accurate monthly cost reports with variance analysis, cash flows and risk projections.
• Ensure audit-ready documentation for compliance and client audits
• Reconcile as-built costs against estimates, capturing lessons learned for internal knowledge base
• Forecast and maintain accurate Estimated final costs (EFC’s) for the projects
• Manage internal benchmarking and lesson learnt reports across the various projects

Risk & Value Management:

• Identify potential cost risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Advise on value engineering opportunities, especially for complex mechanical and electrical systems.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work closely with the account lead, client, project managers and project team to ensure financial objectives are met
• Management, growth and development of the internal project team
• Identify cross-selling opportunities and contribute to bids for new commissions and continuous appointment
• Drive process improvements to enhance consultancy efficiency (e.g., standardized templates and processes).
• Manage internal project financials, e.g. project and contract setup, forecasting, invoice generation and issuance to clients

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Quantity Surveying.

Professional Registration (Mandatory):

• Professional Quantity Surveyor (PrQS) with the SACQSP or RICS.

Experience:

• Minimum 8–10+ years in quantity surveying within the construction industry (building, civil, or infrastructure projects).
• Experience with data centre projects will be advantageous but is not essential.
• Experience in MEPF services is highly beneficial.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in Dimension X (DIMX), CostX, WinQS, and Microsoft Excel for measurement and cost management.
• Strong understanding of commercial management, construction contracts and procurement processes.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the account lead, project team and client.
• Manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously.

Additional Information

Marketing and business development, to include:

• Taking responsibility for developing new business opportunities with existing and new Turner & Townsend clients
• Identifying and acting upon cross-selling opportunities
• Working with Associate Directors and Directors to construct bids for new work
• Attending formal client pitches with Assistant Directors and Directors
• Ensuring that project case study, photograph and project CV files are kept up to date
• Identifying and acting upon opportunities to improve project management products and services

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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.