Director Cost Management - Data Centres

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries, specialising in real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources.

We are seeking a Cost Management Director to further develop and elevate our cost management services for Data Centre projects in Italy; ensure the successful delivery of complex, high‑quality construction projects, and serve as the primary liaison with clients to drive exceptional project outcomes.

The role combines strategic leadership, business development, and end‑to‑end cost management delivery.

The position is based in Milan, Italy , and Turner & Townsend provides relocation support when a move is required.

Core responsibilities

• Develop and expand cost management services while identifying new business opportunities and strengthening market presence.
• Build capability and ensure appropriate resourcing to meet project and client needs.
• Lead, engage, and develop teams, ensuring effective deployment and high‑quality service delivery.
• Uphold service excellence standards and ensure full compliance with business management systems across contracts, risk, HSW, delivery, and finance.
• Oversee contract execution and compliance, maintaining strong governance and commercial control.
• Monitor margins, fees, and resource forecasts, ensuring commissions are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.
• Lead all pre‑ and post‑contract QS activities, including feasibility studies, cost estimating (concept to detailed), cost planning, procurement, tendering, and contract administration.
• Manage variations, cost checks, valuations, change control, and final accounts.
• Produce and present cost plans, tender reports, monthly cost reports, and post‑contract financial updates.
• Drive value engineering initiatives and negotiate commercial outcomes with clients and contractors.
• Act as a key interface with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout all project stages.
• Build strong, lasting relationships and ensure effective communication and information flow.
• Enhance cost management processes, templates, and tools to improve efficiency and service quality.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in cost management.
• Experience of leading cost management commissions for large construction projects of high complexity.
• Good knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as procurement routes, value management and value engineering, and life cycle costing.
• People management experience, particularly in the context of managing a team delivering a project.
• Sound technical experience in all cost management areas; pre-contract, post contract and final account.
• Good understanding of all mechanical, process, electrical, and plumbing systems, as they relate to construction of projects and good understanding of all civils, structural and architectural aspects as they relate to construction of projects.
• Experience in the Italian construction industry with knowledge of contractual documentation is advantageous.
• Demonstrates excellent presentation, verbal, written, and communication skills.
• Sound organisational skills; ability to multi-task and be a team player.
• Working knowledge of MS Office software and modern cost management digital tools.

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.

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.