Site Construction Cost Manager - South

Job Description

Job Description

About Applied Digital: 

At Applied Digital, we are the epicenter of AI innovation, crafting cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for the demands of high-performance computing. Designed from the ground up to support AI and machine learning workloads, our infrastructure is the backbone of tomorrow’s technological advancements, including AI-driven video and generative platforms. 

We are: 

• Forward-Thinkers: With a keen eye on current market trends and future innovations, we adapt swiftly and lead technological evolution. 
• Resilient: We navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger, delivering robust and reliable solutions for industry pioneers. 
• Innovative Designers: Leveraging the latest technologies, we create visionary solutions that redefine industry standards. 

At Applied Digital, we are committed to solving intricate problems, advancing business initiatives, maximizing operational efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint. We are a team of resilient, forward-thinking innovators driving the AI revolution. 

Position Summary

The Site Construction Cost Manager is responsible for driving commercial performance across large-scale capital construction projects, with a primary focus on cost management, change order evaluation, budget oversight, General Contractor pricing review, and contractor commercial negotiations. This role serves as a critical partner to Construction, Finance, and Procurement teams to ensure project budgets are effectively managed, cost-saving and cost-recovery opportunities are identified, and procurement strategies support overall project objectives. Data center experience is strongly preferred.

Approximately two-thirds of the role is dedicated to cost management and commercial oversight, with the remaining one-third focused on procurement, sourcing, contract support, and invoice & vendor management.

The role requires on-site presence (approximately 50% travel) for 1-2 weeks per month, with full-time on-site presence preferred to support direct engagement with project teams, General Contractors, and field execution activities.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Management & Commercial Oversight

• Review, analyze, and manage large-scale capital project budgets.
• Lead commercial reviews of General Contractor estimates, GMPs, budget updates, and cost forecasts.
• Challenge General Contractor pricing assumptions, evaluate trade-level cost drivers, and ensure pricing aligns with scope, market conditions, and contract requirements.
• Scrutinize change orders to ensure pricing accuracy, contractual compliance, and value optimization.
• Identify, negotiate, and document cost savings, cost recovery, and cost avoidance opportunities across projects, with a minimum target of 2% budget impact.
• Analyze construction cost trends, market conditions, escalation impacts, and pricing assumptions.
• Develop cost benchmarking and comparative analyses across projects, regions, contractors, and trade packages.
• Review contractor contingency usage, allowances, and budget transfers.
• Support executive reporting related to project budgets, forecast accuracy, commitments, and cost risks.
• Identify and mitigate cost overruns through proactive commercial management.
• Support dispute resolution and commercial negotiations related to project cost impacts.

Procurement & Sourcing

• Partner with General Contractors to support sourcing strategies for on-site construction services, equipment, and major project packages, as needed.
• Support contractor and vendor selection processes, including RFP development, bid leveling, and commercial evaluations.
• Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers, contractors, and service providers.