Global Project Controls & Estimation Lead

nLighten; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, seeking a Head of Global Estimation to lead project controls, cost management, and capital governance across a large-scale portfolio. This senior leadership role sits at the intersection of Finance, Construction, and Technology, reporting to the CFO and collaborating with CTO and external partners.

Based in the UK or Europe with a European scope, you will establish frameworks, drive forecasts, and oversee external consultancies to

Qualifications

• 15+ years in project controls, cost management, or capital programme leadership.
• Experience on large-scale data centre or infrastructure projects.
• Ability to lead external consultancies and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the project controls function across a capital project portfolio.
• Develop governance, reporting standards, and cost forecasts.
• Oversee external cost management consultants and ensure value for money.
• Collaborate with CFO/CTO and boards on performance and reporting.
• Lead a small team of cost specialists and build internal capability.

Skills

Project controls

Cost management

Quantity surveying

Capital governance

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial forecasting

Executive communication

English fluent

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or Engineering or Finance

MRICS / ACostE / PMI or similar

Tools

MS Excel

CostX or estimating software

Job description

nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, seeking a Head of Global Estimation to lead project controls, cost management, and capital governance across a large-scale portfolio. This senior leadership role sits at the intersection of Finance, Construction, and Technology, reporting to the CFO and collaborating with CTO and external partners.

Based in the UK or Europe with a European scope, you will establish frameworks, drive forecasts, and oversee external consultancies to