Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction (Anticipated Opening)

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates through design milestones;
• Produce and present final cost plans and executive summaries;
• Cook up and validate all sources of cost information (design teams, GC, subcontractors, vendor quotes, benchmark data) for robust cost validation and auditing;
• Provide commercial input to design optioneering and lead value engineering (VE) and cost optimization initiatives;
• Inform and drive engineering priorities based on cost impact; integrate cost with schedule and scope in coordination with project controls/scheduling;
• Lead procurement strategy development, scope validation, contractor/subcontractor pricing reviews, and commercial negotiations to achieve fair contract prices;
• Prepare written comments on contractor submissions and present executive-level updates to stakeholders;
• Own change control throughout the lifecycle: review, estimate, negotiate, and reconcile change orders; manage post-contract cost variances;
• Establish and operate cost control systems, including cost checks, valuations, commitment tracking, contingency management, and (where applicable) EVM;
• Produce and present monthly cost reports and funding data; coordinate VE sessions and scenario planning;
• Ensure timely agreement of final accounts and compile as-built cost records for benchmarking and continuous improvement;
• Act as the primary client interface, ensuring objectives are met and service excellence is delivered;
• Demonstrate excellence in financial management (margin tracking, monthly fee/resource forecasts) across commissions;
• Implement and maintain internal Business Management Systems and company delivery methodologies/tools for consistent best practice;
• Coach and mentor junior team members; foster a high-performance, one-business culture.

Qualifications

• Able to work on-site in the Phoenix, AZ area as required, with a flexible hybrid schedule and available per diem, travel, or relocation support;
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Cost Management, or a related field;
• 5–7+ years of relevant experience in cost management/project controls within construction; construction consultancy experience strongly preferred;
• Proven experience leading cost management on medium to large, complex projects—mission-critical/data center, high-tech, or industrial experience is a plus;
• Solid understanding of MEP systems, resilience requirements, and campus-scale infrastructure common to hyperscale data centers;
• Strong foundation in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, and (where applicable) EVM;
• Expertise in procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor contracts;
• RICS accreditation (or progress toward) preferred;
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with strong analytical/problem-solving ability and high attention to detail;
• Proficiency with industry-standard cost management tools and software.