Associate Director – Cost Management – Data Center Construction

About the Role

The Associate Director of Cost Management will lead commercial strategy and cost governance for a large‑scale, multi‑phase data centre development program located near Columbus, Ohio. The role requires onsite presence at least three days per week, with per‑diem and mileage reimbursement for commuters from the Columbus area. Responsibilities include overseeing cost planning, budgeting, procurement strategy, risk management, executive reporting and value‑engineering initiatives. • Lead cost management strategy, governance, and compliance for multi‑phase data centre programs. • Develop cost frameworks, budgeting, procurement strategies, and risk mitigation for multi‑billion‑dollar budgets. • Serve as primary client interface, maintaining communication with stakeholders and consultants. • Advise senior stakeholders on commercial strategy, procurement models, and contract negotiations for complex energy and sustainability packages. • Oversee full lifecycle cost activities: quantity surveying, cost controls, change management, and contingency tracking. • Produce executive‑level cost performance reports, forecasts, and risk assessments. • Drive value engineering and design optimization to achieve cost savings without sacrificing performance. • Mentor and develop cost management team, handling succession planning and performance reviews. • Enhance internal cost management tools, templates, and processes for continuous improvement. • Manage financial performance: margin tracking, fee/resource forecasts, and BMS compliance. • Support pre‑construction feasibility studies and early‑stage cost modeling for future phases. • Build trusted relationships with clients, contractors, and vendors to identify business growth opportunities. • Ensure adherence to SOX control requirements where applicable. • Promote a healthy, flexible work environment that respects work‑life balance. • Encourage employee growth and provide a voice to affect change.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸cost strategy
• ▸budgeting
• ▸client interface
• ▸value engineering
• ▸financial reporting
• ▸tool enhancement

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred. • 10+ years cost management/project controls experience, with 3–5 years in leadership. • Proven track record managing large‑scale, mission‑critical construction programs such as hyperscale data centres. • Expertise in cost planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and program‑level cost control systems. • Strong knowledge of procurement strategies, commercial management, and construction contracts. • RICS accreditation or equivalent professional certification preferred. • Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills with senior stakeholders. • Advanced analytical and problem‑solving abilities with attention to detail. • Proficiency with industry‑standard cost management software. • Familiarity with MEP systems and complex building services (beneficial). • Ability to manage multiple phases/packages concurrently in a fast‑paced environment. • Experience with value engineering and design optimization techniques. • Knowledge of energy infrastructure, carbon capture, and sustainability considerations (plus).

Requirements

• ▸construction management
• ▸rics
• ▸cost management
• ▸leadership
• ▸negotiation
• ▸cost software

Work Environment

Onsite