Construction Cost Manager - Mission Critical

Ryan Companies US, Inc.; Westmont (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

Retirement Benefits

FSAs/HSAs

Life Insurance

Disability Coverage

Educational Assistance

PTO

Wellness Programs

Employee Discounts

Pet Insurance

Charitable Matching

Volunteer Time off

Job summary

Ryan Companies US, Inc. is seeking a Construction Cost Manager to lead cost control for large-scale hyperscale data center projects. You will establish budgets, manage procurement, and oversee change orders to ensure profitability from concept through completion.

The role requires deep cost-management expertise, strong negotiation and reporting skills, and hands-on use of Procore and Building Connected within complex project environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• 1 year of project experience in hyperscale or colocation data center construction.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in project or cost management in commercial construction.
• Experience managing cost for large-scale projects ($50M+).
• Experience with procurement, tender processes, and change orders.
• Procore and Building Connected proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle cost management and establish robust cost controls.
• Develop and maintain cost plans, budgets, and forecasts.
• Review design choices for cost implications and accuracy.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and risk assessments for stakeholders.
• Produce tender documentation and manage procurement processes.
• Interpret contracts to advise on entitlements and changes.

Skills

Cost management

Budgeting

Negotiation

Data analysis

Communication

Ownership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Quantity Surveying, or a related field

Tools

Procore

Building Connected

Job description

Job Description:

Ryan Companies is seeking an experienced and commercially-astute Construction Cost Manager to lead our complex hyperscale and colocation data center projects.

The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and, most importantly, on budget. This role is laser-focused on rigorous cost control, full-cycle financial management, and expert commercial oversight. You will be the financial guardian of the project, responsible for establishing budgets, managing procurement, controlling change, and ensuring profitability from concept through completion.

Cost Management & Estimating

• Lead the full-cycle cost management of projects, establishing and maintaining robust cost controls from concept through completion.
• Conduct scope definition workshops with clients to develop accurate, comprehensive project budgets.
• Create and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates aligned with each design phase, updating forecasts at key project milestones.
• Review design alternatives, emerging technologies, and construction means-and-methods for cost implications, ensuring all estimates meet required accuracy standards.
• Deliver lifecycle cost models and integrate benchmarking data to support informed, data-driven decision-making.
• Perform detailed evaluations of all subcontractor change order requests based on contractual requirements and project scope.

Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare and present monthly cost reports and risk assessments to senior internal and external stakeholders, highlighting key variances, risks, and recommended mitigation actions.
• Support monthly stakeholder meetings and formal presentations with clear financial content, data-driven insights, and expert commentary.
• Produce and maintain detailed cash flow forecasts across the project lifecycle to support client financial planning and internal reporting.

Procurement & Commercial Support

• Prepare comprehensive tender documentation for all trade packages, manage the tender query process, and perform detailed bid leveling and compliance reviews.
• Produce formal Tender Recommendation Reports and lead trade package review meetings, ensuring a transparent and compliant procurement process.
• Manage the monthly pencil requisition process, diligently review all variations, and support the project team in agreeing to rolling and final accounts with subcontractors.

Contract & Financial Oversight

• Review and interpret all contractual terms to recommend entitlements related to change orders, claims, and other commercial matters.
• Coordinate directly with client finance and accounting teams to ensure accurate reporting and full compliance with all financial controls.
• Analyze and report on local labor markets, union implications, commodity fluctuations, and tax impacts to inform project cost strategy and budget updates.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• A minimum of 1 year of project experience in the hyperscale or colocation data center construction industry is required.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in a project management or cost management role within the commercial construction industry.
• Demonstrable expertise in full-cycle cost management for large-scale projects (ideally $50M+), with a deep understanding of construction accounting principles.
• Extensive, hands-on experience managing procurement, tender processes, and the entire change order lifecycle.
• Proficiency in construction management software such as Procore, Building Connected, and industry-standard scheduling and estimating tools.
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial data clearly and concisely.
• A detail-oriented and commercially-driven mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Compensation:

The salary range is $120,000 - $155,000. The salary base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission and/or an incentive program.

Eligibility:

Position requires verification of employment to work in the U.S.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Retirement and Savings Benefits
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs
• Parenting Benefits
• Employee Discount Programs
• Pet insurance
• Ryan Foundation - charitable matching funds
• Paid Time for Volunteer Events

Disclaimer: Eligibility may vary based on factors such as role, hours worked, employment status, length of service, location, and other considerations. Detailed information will be shared with eligible candidates during the hiring process, and the official terms and conditions will be outlined in each individual offer document.

Ryan Companies is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.