VP, Cost Management, Data Centers

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward. What this job involves:As VP, Cost Manager specializing in data centers, you will lead cost management and financial oversight for mission-critical infrastructure projects requiring specialized expertise in complex MEP systems, power distribution, and cooling technologies. You will provide strategic cost planning, detailed estimating, and value engineering throughout all phases of data center development—from feasibility and design through construction and commissioning. Your deep knowledge of data center construction costs, equipment pricing, and market dynamics will be essential to delivering accurate financial guidance for clients investing hundreds of millions in critical infrastructure. Working as a trusted advisor to clients and project teams, you will ensure cost certainty and financial performance across large-scale data center programs while maintaining the exacting standards required for 24/7 operational environments.What your day-to-day will look like:Strategic Cost Planning & EstimatingDeveloping comprehensive cost estimates for data center projects from conceptual design through detailed construction documentationPreparing feasibility studies, cost models, and budget scenarios for hyperscale facilities, colocation environments, and enterprise data centersAnalyzing costs for mission-critical infrastructure including electrical distribution systems (medium voltage switchgear, transformers, UPS, generators, PDUs), mechanical cooling systems (chillers, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, economizers), and supporting infrastructureCreating detailed cost breakdowns by system and trade, accounting for data center-specific requirements and long-lead equipment procurement schedulesBenchmarking costs against industry standards, regional market conditions, and historical data center project performanceValue Engineering & Cost OptimizationLeading value engineering workshops to identify cost savings opportunities while maintaining Uptime Institute tier requirements and operational resilienceEvaluating alternative design solutions, equipment selections, and construction methodologies to optimize total cost of ownershipAnalyzing trade-offs between capital costs, energy efficiency, operational expenditures, and lifecycle performanceReviewing specifications and technical requirements to identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising critical system redundancyProviding cost/benefit analysis for emerging technologies including liquid cooling, modular construction, and sustainable energy solutionsProject Cost Control & Financial ManagementEstablishing cost management frameworks, tracking systems, and reporting protocols for complex data center programsMonitoring project budgets throughout construction, analyzing cost trends, and providing early warning of potential overrunsReviewing contractor estimates, change orders, and payment applications for accuracy and alignment with contract termsConducting detailed cost reconciliations and variance analyses, explaining deviations from baseline budgetsManaging contingency allocation and drawdown, ensuring appropriate reserves for risk mitigationCoordinating with procurement teams on equipment pricing, delivery schedules, and vendor contract negotiationsMarket Intelligence & Client AdvisoryMaintaining current knowledge of data center construction market conditions, equipment pricing trends, and supply chain dynamicsTracking costs for critical components including generators, switchgear, chillers, transformers, and IT infrastructure equipmentAdvising clients on procurement strategies, phasing approaches, and schedule optimization to manage cost escalationProviding market insights on labor availability, material pricing volatility, and regional cost variationsDeveloping cost planning guidance for multi-year campus development programs with phased capacity expansionStakeholder Collaboration & ReportingServing as primary cost advisor to clients, project teams, design consultants, and construction managersPresenting cost reports, forecasts, and recommendations to client leadership and executive stakeholdersCollaborating with design teams to provide real-time cost feedback during design development and optimizationPartnering with PMO and project delivery teams to align cost management with schedule, quality, and technical requirementsPreparing detailed cost documentation for investment committees, board approvals, and financial reportingTeam Leadership & Professional DevelopmentLeading and mentoring a team of cost managers, estimators, and analysts focused on data center projectsDeveloping standardized cost management processes, estimating tools, and data center cost databasesBuilding technical capability within the team on specialized data center systems and construction methodologiesSupporting business development through cost planning expertise, client relationship management, and proposal developmentDriving continuous improvement in cost management accuracy, efficiency, and client service deliveryRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, quantity surveying, architecture, or related field12+ years of cost management/estimating experience with substantial focus on data center or mission-critical facilitiesExpert knowledge of data center construction costs including electrical systems (utility interconnections, medium voltage distribution, backup power, UPS systems), mechanical cooling systems (chilled water plants, air-side economizers, in-row cooling), fire suppression, and building envelope requirementsProven experience managing costs for large-scale projects ($100M+ capital value) with complex MEP systemsDeep understanding of data center design standards (Uptime Institute Tier classifications, TIA-942, ASHRAE TC 9.9) and their cost implicationsDemonstrated expertise in cost estimating software and tools (CostX, Bluebeam, RSMeans, or similar)Strong financial acumen including budget development, cost forecasting, cash flow analysis, and financial reportingExperience with design-build, construction management, and lump-sum delivery methods in data center environmentsExceptional analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex cost data and present actionable insightsOutstanding client relationship management and executive-level communication capabilitiesPreferred Qualifications:Advanced degree in construction management, engineering, or business administrationProfessional certifications: RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), CCE (Certified Cost Engineer/Estimator), PMP, or similarData center-specific certifications (CDCP, CDCS) demonstrating technical knowledge of critical facilitiesExperience with hyperscale cloud providers, colocation operators, or large enterprise data center portfoliosKnowledge of modular/prefabricated data center construction and associated cost implicationsFamiliarity with energy modeling, PUE optimization, and sustainability cost considerations (LEED for data centers, renewable energy integration)Proficiency in advanced estimating platforms, BIM quantity takeoff tools, and data analytics softwareExperience with international data center projects and multi-currency cost managementTrack record of thought leadership through industry publications, conference presentations, or market researchDemonstrated success in business development and growing client accounts through cost management excellenceThis position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.Expected compensation for this position:138,840.00 – 201,480.00 USD per yearFinal compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.Location:Remote –Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, Dallas, GA, Houston, TX, Shreveport, LA, Washington, DCIf this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits include:401(k) plan with matching company contributionsComprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision CarePaid parental leave at 100% of salary Paid Time Off and Company HolidaysEarly access to earned wages through Daily PayAt JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.JLL Privacy NoticeJones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. 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If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. 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If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device.Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.SummaryLocation: Houston, TX; Shreveport, LA; Atlanta, GA; Dallas, GA; Washington, DC; Boston, MAType: Full time