Cost Manager

Overwatch-Mission-Critical; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Overwatch Mission Critical seeks an experienced Project Controls professional to manage cost control, scheduling, and on-site owner representation for data center construction projects.

You will certify pay applications, maintain master schedules, and coordinate with contractors and stakeholders on-site, ensuring alignment with contract requirements and project goals in a dynamic data center environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of combined cost control and scheduling experience on large construction programs, data center or mission-critical experience preferred.
• Proven track record certifying pay applications and managing master schedules on $100M+ projects.
• Proficient in P6/MS Project and Procore, CMiC, or Textura, plus advanced Excel.
• Working knowledge of JCT/NEC/AIA contract forms, change order administration, and delay claims.
• RICS accreditation and/or PMI-SP/PSP credential preferred.
• Comfortable operating as an embedded third-party representative—protecting the Owner's interests on-site while maintaining clear reporting discipline.

Responsibilities

• Review, negotiate, and recommend approval/rejection of COR/PCOs, evaluating cost and schedule impact.
• Certify monthly invoices against verified progress, schedule of values, retention, and contingency.
• Maintain the master cost report, contingency drawdown, and cost-to-complete/estimate-at-completion.
• Conduct field walks to confirm billed and scheduled percent-complete match physical progress.
• Link the risk register to cost and schedule contingency; flag burn-rate or float erosion early.
• Support delay/time-extension and cost claims in line with the governing contract.

Skills

Cost control

Scheduling

Pay applications

Master schedule management

Contract forms knowledge

Excel proficiency

Schedule risk management

On-site coordination

Education

RICS accreditation

PMI-SP/PSP credential

Tools

P6/MS Project

Procore

CMiC

Textura

Job description

About Overwatch Mission Critical

Overwatch is a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOB) certified through the National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC), offering construction professional services, talent acquisition, and general contractor services for the mission-critical infrastructure industry.

Our mission is the construction and management of state-of-the-art data centers with the precision and reliability this industry demands. From high-end engineers to seasoned professionals, we deploy the people you need to get your data center off the ground. At Overwatch, it's more than a job. It's a purpose.

Overview

A third-party owner's representative engaged to provide integrated cost and schedule control across the data center construction program, from design through Ready for Service. The role verifies that billed cost, reported progress, and schedule impact each reflect field reality - Requires routine travel to Texas (25%).

Key Responsibilities

• Change Orders — Review, negotiate, and recommend approval/rejection of COR/PCOs, evaluating cost and schedule impact together.
• Pay Applications — Certify monthly invoices against verified progress, schedule of values, retention, and contingency
• Budget & Forecasting — Maintain the master cost report, contingency drawdown, and cost-to-complete/estimate-at-completion.
• Progress Verification — Conduct field walks to confirm billed and scheduled percent-complete match physical progress.
• Risk & Contingency — Link the risk register to cost and schedule contingency; flag burn-rate or float erosion early.
• Claims & Compliance — Support delay/time-extension and cost claims in line with the governing contract.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of combined cost control and scheduling experience on large construction programs; data center or mission-critical experience preferred.
• Track record certifying pay applications and managing master schedules on $100M+ projects.
• Proficient in P6/MS Project and Procore, CMiC, or Textura, plus advanced Excel.
• Working knowledge of JCT/NEC/AIA contract forms, change order administration, and delay claims.
• RICS accreditation and/or PMI-SP/PSP credential preferred.
• Comfortable operating as an embedded third-party representative — protecting the Owner's interests on-site while maintaining clear reporting discipline.

Bonus Qualifications

• Master Schedule — Own the integrated schedule (design, LLE procurement, construction, commissioning, RFS)
• Track critical path, float, and rolling look-aheads.

Sub Specialty Area

• Cost Management

Driver’s License Requirement

For roles that require on-site presence or travel between work locations as an essential function of the position, candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license appropriate for the role and be eligible to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with applicable laws.

Communication Skills

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a professional work environment, including preparing written reports and documentation, conveying information clearly to team members, clients, and stakeholders, and responding appropriately to verbal and written communications related to job duties.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This position operates primarily in an active data center construction environment, encompassing both indoor and outdoor work settings. The role requires the physical ability to perform essential job functions safely and effectively in a dynamic environment that includes ongoing construction activity and evolving site conditions.

The work environment includes areas and temporary structures owned, leased, or controlled by third parties over which Overwatch may have limited or no control. Because the project remains under construction, certain areas of the site — including access routes, staging zones, and temporary structures — may not yet be fully ADA-compliant until construction is complete or those third-party areas are finalized.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to walk, stand, stoop, twist, bend, and climb stairs or ladders for extended periods while navigating uneven, unpaved, or obstructed terrain.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to drive between job sites and access all areas of an active construction zone, including raised platforms, scaffolding, and confined spaces.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to outdoor weather conditions, dust, and construction-related noise, vibrations, and odors.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with contractors, engineers, and site personnel, and maintain situational awareness in high-activity environments.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety vests, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots, is required.
• Must have sufficient visual acuity to read drawings, specifications, and safety signage, and to observe site activity.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in and around active construction areas, which may include unfinished buildings, temporary field offices, staging areas, and partially completed infrastructure. These locations may contain uneven surfaces, limited accessibility, and other conditions typical of construction projects prior to final completion. Overwatch does not control and cannot modify accessibility conditions within areas, facilities, or temporary structures owned or managed by third parties.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, provided such accommodations do not create safety hazards, impede essential mobility within active work zones, or require modification of facilities not owned or controlled by Overwatch.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid time off.
• Relocation assistance is available to support candidates transitioning to the location.

OVERWATCH is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. OVERWATCH considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.