Cost Manager - Data Centers

Actalent; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in the Chicago area is seeking an Estimator / Senior Cost Manager for data center construction to act as a cost consultant, quantity surveyor, and estimator across a large program. You will deliver cost planning, benchmarking, CAPEX forecasting, and design-stage cost management for complex, mission-critical facilities.

This salaried, on-site role collaborates with clients, design teams, contractors, and stakeholders to maintain budgets, review pricing, monitor performance, and drive

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in cost management or quantity surveying.
• Experience with cost planning, benchmarking, and CAPEX forecasting.
• Ability to review pricing, change orders, and contractual compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost estimates for data center and commercial construction.
• Prepare budgets, cost plans, and benchmarking analyses.
• Evaluate power, redundancy, cooling, and infrastructure cost drivers.
• Support early-stage planning with robust cost analysis.
• Establish budgets, forecasts, and baselines across design & construction.
• Monitor cost performance and recommend actions.
• Review subcontractor/vendor proposals for completeness and competitiveness.
• Lead value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.
• Assist with procurement strategy, bid evaluations, and contractor selection.
• Prepare regular cost reports and executive updates.
• Support cash flow forecasting and contingency planning.
• Mentor junior cost staff and support project teams.

Skills

Cost estimation

Quantity surveying

Data center cost management

Budgeting & forecasting

Excel advanced modelling

Stakeholder communication

Contract administration

Education

MRICS / AssocRICS / CCP / CEP / CPE or similar

Tools

On Screen Takeoff

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

Cost Manager Data Center Construction

Job Description This role serves as a Data Center Cost Consultant, Quantity Surveyor, and Estimator supporting a large-scale data center construction program in the greater Chicago area. You provide continuous cost and commercial management support across the full project lifecycle, partnering closely with clients, design teams, contractors, and key stakeholders. The position focuses on cost planning, benchmarking, estimate validation, CAPEX forecasting, design-stage cost management, and commercial oversight for complex, mission-critical facilities. Data center experience is preferred but not required, making this an excellent opportunity for an experienced cost management professional seeking long-term involvement on multiple data center sites.

Job Title: Estimator / Senior Cost Manager Data Center Construction

Job Description

Job Description This role serves as a Data Center Cost Consultant, Quantity Surveyor, and Estimator supporting a large-scale data center construction program in the greater Chicago area. You provide continuous cost and commercial management support across the full project lifecycle, partnering closely with clients, design teams, contractors, and key stakeholders. The position focuses on cost planning, benchmarking, estimate validation, CAPEX forecasting, design-stage cost management, and commercial oversight for complex, mission-critical facilities. Data center experience is preferred but not required, making this an excellent opportunity for an experienced cost management professional seeking long-term involvement on multiple data center sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual, feasibility, and order-of-magnitude cost estimates for large-scale data center and commercial construction projects.
• Prepare detailed project budgets, cost plans, and benchmarking analyses to support investment and planning decisions.
• Evaluate key cost drivers such as power capacity, redundancy requirements, cooling systems, and overall infrastructure scope.
• Support early-stage project planning and funding decisions by providing robust cost analysis and recommendations.
• Establish and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and cost baselines throughout design and construction.
• Monitor cost performance during all phases of the project, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Review contractor pricing, change orders, and payment applications to ensure accuracy, value, and contractual compliance.
• Lead value engineering and cost optimization initiatives to improve project affordability without compromising performance.
• Identify and assess project risks, opportunities, and potential budget impacts, and communicate these to stakeholders.
• Support procurement strategy development, bid evaluations, and contractor selection processes.
• Review subcontractor and vendor proposals for completeness, competitiveness, and alignment with project requirements.
• Assist with contract administration, including commercial negotiations and interpretation of contract terms.
• Prepare regular cost reports, forecasts, and executive-level financial updates for clients and project leaders.
• Support funding approvals, cash flow forecasting, and contingency planning through accurate financial analysis.
• Analyze project risks, escalation impacts, and budget variances, and propose mitigation strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and project stakeholders, providing clear, data-driven commercial guidance.
• Lead cost management activities across assigned projects, ensuring consistent processes and high-quality deliverables.
• Build strong working relationships with contractors, consultants, and project teams to facilitate effective collaboration.
• Mentor and support junior cost managers, estimators, and quantity surveyors, helping them develop technical and professional skills.
• Contribute to project management, bidding, and construction management activities as they relate to cost and commercial performance.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in cost management, estimating, quantity surveying, or construction commercial management.
• Strong understanding of construction estimating methodologies, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control processes.
• Experience supporting projects through multiple phases of design and construction, from early planning through delivery.
• Proven ability to evaluate change orders, contracts, and overall project financial impacts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide clear recommendations.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present financial information to clients and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience building productive relationships with clients, contractors, and project teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Hands-on experience with estimating, project budgets, forecasting, and commercial management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Experience in project management, bidding, construction management, and commercial construction.
• Proficiency in Excel, with advanced skill level for financial modeling, cost analysis, and reporting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting mission-critical or data center construction projects is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as MRICS, AssocRICS, CCP, CEP, CPE, or similar are highly desirable.
• Knowledge of construction contracts, procurement processes, and project delivery methods.
• Experience with value engineering, lifecycle costing, and project cost modeling.
• Background in client-facing consulting or owners representative environments.
• Intermediate knowledge of Windows, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of On Screen Takeoff or similar estimating software is a plus.
• Interest in ongoing professional development supported by access to online education platforms.
• Ability to operate effectively as part of an owners representative consulting team.

Work Environment

This is a salaried position based on a standard 40-hour workweek with a strong focus on work-life balance. You work on site at the end clients data center facilities in the greater Chicago area, supporting long-term projects across multiple sites. The environment is that of an owners representative consulting firm, where you collaborate closely with client teams, design professionals, and contractors on complex capital projects. The role offers 80 hours of paid time off (accrued) and 8 paid holidays, along with access to a