VP, Cost Management, Data Centers

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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 & Estimating
Developing comprehensive cost estimates for data center projects from conceptual design through detailed construction documentation
Preparing feasibility studies, cost models, and budget scenarios for hyperscale facilities, colocation environments, and enterprise data centers
Analyzing 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 infrastructure
Creating detailed cost breakdowns by system and trade, accounting for data center-specific requirements and long-lead equipment procurement schedules
Benchmarking costs against industry standards, regional market conditions, and historical data center project performance
Value Engineering & Cost Optimization
Leading value engineering workshops to identify cost savings opportunities while maintaining Uptime Institute tier requirements and operational resilience
Evaluating alternative design solutions, equipment selections, and construction methodologies to optimize total cost of ownership
Analyzing trade-offs between capital costs, energy efficiency, operational expenditures, and lifecycle performance
Reviewing specifications and technical requirements to identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising critical system redundancy
Providing cost/benefit analysis for emerging technologies including liquid cooling, modular construction, and sustainable energy solutions
Project Cost Control & Financial Management
Establishing cost management frameworks, tracking systems, and reporting protocols for complex data center programs
Monitoring project budgets throughout construction, analyzing cost trends, and providing early warning of potential overruns
Reviewing contractor estimates, change orders, and payment applications for accuracy and alignment with contract terms
Conducting detailed cost reconciliations and variance analyses, explaining deviations from baseline budgets
Managing contingency allocation and drawdown, ensuring appropriate reserves for risk mitigation
Coordinating with procurement teams on equipment pricing, delivery schedules, and vendor contract negotiations
Market Intelligence & Client Advisory
Maintaining current knowledge of data center construction market conditions, equipment pricing trends, and supply chain dynamics
Tracking costs for critical components including generators, switchgear, chillers, transformers, and IT infrastructure equipment
Advising clients on procurement strategies, phasing approaches, and schedule optimization to manage cost escalation
Providing market insights on labor availability, material pricing volatility, and regional cost variations
Developing cost planning guidance for multi-year campus development programs with phased capacity expansion
Stakeholder Collaboration & Reporting
Serving as primary cost advisor to clients, project teams, design consultants, and construction managers
Presenting cost reports, forecasts, and recommendations to client leadership and executive stakeholders
Collaborating with design teams to provide real-time cost feedback during design development and optimization
Partnering with PMO and project delivery teams to align cost management with schedule, quality, and technical requirements
Preparing detailed cost documentation for investment committees, board approvals, and financial reporting
Team Leadership & Professional Development
Leading and mentoring a team of cost managers, estimators, and analysts focused on data center projects
Developing standardized cost management processes, estimating tools, and data center cost databases
Building technical capability within the team on specialized data center systems and construction methodologies
Supporting business development through cost planning expertise, client relationship management, and proposal development
Driving continuous improvement in cost management accuracy, efficiency, and client service delivery
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, quantity surveying, architecture, or related field
12+ years of cost management/estimating experience with substantial focus on data center or mission-critical facilities
Expert 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 requirements
Proven experience managing costs for large-scale projects ($100M+ capital value) with complex MEP systems
Deep understanding of data center design standards (Uptime Institute Tier classifications, TIA-942, ASHRAE TC 9.9) and their cost implications
Demonstrated 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 reporting
Experience with design-build, construction management, and lump-sum delivery methods in data center environments
Exceptional analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex cost data and present actionable insights
Outstanding client relationship management and executive-level communication capabilities
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in construction management, engineering, or business administration
Professional certifications: RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), CCE (Certified Cost Engineer/Estimator)