Senior Cost Engineer

nLighten; Leeds; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data center provider in the UK is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to enhance project budget monitoring and cost management. The role demands at least 8 years of experience in cost control, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel. As a vital part of the team, you'll interact with project managers to analyze cost variances and ensure financial accuracy across projects. Join us to shape cost management practices for an expanding data center portfolio while contributing to a sustainable digital future.

Benefits

High-growth environment

Impactful role

Strategic influence

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in cost management or financial project control.
• Data center construction experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Review project actuals and estimate costs to complete specific tasks.
• Analyse cost variances and provide insights to project teams.
• Produce and maintain Estimates at Completion (EAC) for each project.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Proficiency in Excel

Excellent communication skills

Proactive problem-solving

Education

Degree-level education or relevant professional qualification

Job description

Company Profile

nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments. As a rapidly expanding provider, we offer scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe. Our innovative and sustainable approach to digital infrastructure ensures reliability, efficiency, and future‑ready solutions for our clients. nLighten’s current footprint is 34 data centers in 7 European countries, with the ambition to grow to 100 sites during the next 3‑4 years.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to provide dedicated support to our Project Controls and Regional Delivery teams in all matters relating to cost management. This role is focused on ensuring that project budgets are effectively monitored, cost estimates are accurate, and financial insights are delivered to support project decision‑making.

The Senior Cost Engineer will track actual expenditure, forecast costs to complete, review tender assessments, and maintain detailed cost reports to provide confidence that contracts are placed in line with approved scope and value for money. This is an important technical role requiring precision, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving business environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Review project actuals and estimate costs to complete specific tasks or project scope.
• Analyse cost variances and changes and provide actionable insights to project teams.
• Produce and maintain fully underpinned Estimates at Completion (EAC) for each project.
• Prepare and maintain cost reports to support EAC, ensuring alignment with key project milestones.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Regional Delivery Leads, and other Cost Managers.
• Interact with planning teams to profile costs and ensure accurate financial forecasting.
• Support continuous improvement of cost management processes and documentation.
• Travel as required to project sites to validate data and align with local teams.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 8 years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, or financial project control.
• Data center construction experience preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret complex cost data.
• Proficiency in Excel, with experience creating and maintaining cost reports.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Excellent communication skills in English and the regional language.
• Proactive problem‑solving approach and a can‑do attitude.
• Degree‑level education or relevant professional qualification preferred.

Why Join Us?

• High‑growth environment: Be part of an expanding team with opportunities to grow laterally and vertically.
• Impactful role: Help shape cost management policies and processes for a rapidly scaling data center portfolio.
• Strategic influence: Work closely with project teams to deliver accurate financial insights.

If you have the right experience and are excited about contributing to the next evolution of edge data centers, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and be part of our journey toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable digital future.

Background Check & Screening

All selected candidates will undergo a background check to ensure a safe workplace, protect company assets, and comply with regulations.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

nLighten is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Even if you do not meet every requirement listed, we welcome your application. We particularly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.