Cost Manager - Data Center Project Controls

Role Description

As a part of the Data Center organization, the Cost Manager is responsible for overseeing the cost planning, cost modeling, and financial control of data center construction projects. The Cost Manager will both oversee the financial management of active construction projects and lead initial cost modeling in projects in development. This individual serves as the subject-matter expert for all project cost-related activities, ensuring budgets are accurately developed, tracked, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle. They will demonstrate strong analytical capabilities, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple cost workstreams while meeting strict deadlines. The Cost Manager will establish and maintain processes to ensure cost discipline, transparency, and alignment with project objectives.

Responsibilities

• Comprehend the technical specifications and design criteria of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Network, and Building Automation Systems within a Data Center to accurately reflect costs in the project model.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously refine detailed cost models for data center construction projects, including CAPEX estimates and lifecycle cost considerations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure project budgets align with company objectives for safety, delivery, performance, schedule, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain documented cost files to accurately present a clear audit trail for estimates, budgets, forecasts, approvals, and cost changes.
• Monitor project expenditures, commitments, and forecasts, ensuring alignment with approved budgets and identifying variances.
• Analyze cost variances and provide actionable insights and recommendations to mitigate financial risks and maintain budget control.
• Support project management with contracting processes by reviewing bids, validating pricing, and contributing to commercial evaluations.
• Review and validate change orders, ensuring cost impacts are accurate, justified, and aligned with contract terms.
• Prepare and present cost reports, dashboards, and cash flow projections to internal stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Implement and maintain cost control processes, tools, and reporting standards across all phases of construction and project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, project controls procedures, and contractual cost requirements.
• Ability to effectively communicate cost-related insights and risks to senior executives both internally and externally.
• Conduct business dealings with the highest level of integrity and regard for financial, legal, and environmental considerations.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making in complex and ambiguous situations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field preferred)
• 3+ years of experience in cost management, project controls, or estimating in an EPC or utility-scale construction environment
• Strong experience in cost modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control processes
• Experience with change management, contract cost analysis, and financial reporting
• Engineering, estimating, or project controls background is a plus
• Experience working in an engineered systems / project-based business model
• Experience in data center construction is preferred, but not required
• Excellent communication, leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong understanding of financial principles and cost management practices
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel skills preferred)

Requirements

• Location: Redwood City, CA, Denver, CO, San Diego, CA or Remote
• Base Pay - $100,000 - $140,000

Benefits

• 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision (for employees and dependents)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit & Parking (with company contributions)
• Mental, Physical & Social Wellness Support (with company contributions)
• Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits
• Monthly Reimbursement for Phone, Internet & Data
• Optional Legal & Pet Insurance Plans
• Device Purchase Support