Senior Cost Manager – Quantity Surveyor, Data Center Construction

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Maryland.

📋 Description

• Serve as the primary client-facing cost management lead for a large-scale, mission-critical data center program.

• Create and sustain detailed cost plans and estimates throughout the design and delivery phases.

• Generate and deliver monthly cost reports, executive summaries, and funding data.

• Gather cost information from design teams, general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors for validation and auditing purposes.

• Assemble built cost records for benchmarking and ongoing improvement.

• Spearhead the development of procurement strategies, pricing reviews, scope validation, and commercial negotiations.

• Oversee final accounts and guarantee timely agreement.

• Manage change control processes, including reviewing, estimating, negotiating, and reconciling change orders.

• Assist in cost risk analysis, scenario planning, contingency management, and commitment tracking.

• Ensure effective cost control systems are in place, including Earned Value Management where applicable.

• Integrate cost with schedule and scope in collaboration with project controls and scheduling teams.

• Advocate for engineering priorities based on cost implications and lead initiatives in value engineering and cost optimization.

• Monitor market trends, including escalation, labor availability, and material pricing.

• Act as the primary client liaison and prepare executive-level updates and revisions of cost estimates.

• Ensure compliance with internal business management systems and delivery methodologies.

• Provide mentorship and coaching to junior team members.

• Manage margins and provide monthly fee/resource forecasts.

• Comply with SOX controls where applicable.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related discipline.

• 5-7+ years of experience in cost management for mission-critical data center projects.

• Strong proficiency in cost planning, forecasting, change management, procurement, and project controls.

• Willingness to travel to the Frederick, Maryland project site for major activities, approximately 3-4 days onsite per month.

• Prior experience in construction consultancy is highly preferred.

• Solid understanding of MEP systems, resilience considerations, and campus-scale infrastructure typical of hyperscale developments.

• Strong background in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, and Earned Value Management (EVM).

• Expertise in procurement strategies and commercial management of contractor/vendor agreements.

• RICS accreditation or progress toward certification is a plus.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Proficiency in industry-standard cost management tools and software.

• Ability to work effectively in a remote setting while maintaining engagement with onsite project teams and stakeholders.

🏝️ Benefits

• Primarily remote work.

• Reimbursement for approved business travel expenses.

• Mileage reimbursement.

• Potential for bonuses.

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Flexible working environment that supports work-life balance.