Associate / Associate Director - Cost Management - Data Centre

Due to the continued growth of our Data Centre business across Australia, we are recruiting for an experienced Associate / Associate Director, Cost Management to join our team on a major data centre project in Queensland. This FIFO/DIDO role offers flexibility of location for the right candidate while placing you at the heart of a complex, high-value, mission-critical development.
You will lead the delivery of cost management services across large-scale data centre developments, overseeing projects from inception to completion. Responsible for driving commercial strategy, governance, client engagement, and team leadership, you will ensure projects meet cost, quality, and performance objectives within highly complex, fast-track environments.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Strategy
Lead the delivery of end-to-end cost management services for complex data centre projects.
Define and implement cost strategies, benchmarks, and control frameworks to support successful project delivery.
Act as Commission Manager, overseeing multiple high-value or complex commissions.
Cost Planning & Project Controls
Lead cost planning, estimating, and financial forecasting across CSA, MEP, and mission-critical systems.
Oversee preparation and presentation of cost plans, reports, and financial updates to clients.
Drive value engineering and life cycle costing initiatives to optimise project performance.
Implement robust controls across cost, schedule, risk, and change management.
Client & Stakeholder Management
Act as the primary client interface, ensuring delivery of value-added commercial solutions.
Lead multidisciplinary teams including clients, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
Build strong stakeholder relationships to ensure project alignment and successful outcomes.
Commercial, Financial & Risk Management
Monitor and manage project budgets, cost drivers, and financial performance.
Lead contract administration, commercial negotiations, and variation management.
Identify and mitigate cost and commercial risks across data centre developments.
Ensure compliance with financial controls, governance frameworks, and client reporting standards.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead and mentor Cost Managers and project teams, driving performance and career development.
Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture.
Manage team resourcing in line with project pipeline and business needs.
Business Development & Growth
Contribute to business development, client engagement, and proposal activities.
Identify new opportunities within the data centre and mission-critical sectors.
Support market growth through strategic insight, client relationships, and solution development.
Qualifications
Degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction, Engineering, or related discipline
Master’s degree or professional accreditation (MRICS or AIQS) is preferred
8+ years’ experience in cost management or construction
Proven track record delivering data centre, mission-critical, or MEP-intensive projects
Strong experience in cost consultancy / professional services environments
Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and complex project portfolios
Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking
Expertise in cost planning, procurement, and contract management
Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills
Ability to manage large-scale, fast-track, and complex environments
Strong leadership and people management capability

Skills
Business Development, Risk Management, Procurement

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid