Cost Manager, Mission Critical

Ryan Companies US, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

Retirement and Savings Benefits

Flexible Spending and Health Savings

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Educational Assistance

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employee Assistance and Wellness

Parenting Benefits

Employee Discount Programs

Pet insurance

Ryan Foundation - charitable matching

Paid Time for Volunteer Events

Job summary

Ryan Companies US, Inc. seeks an experienced Construction Cost Manager to lead cost control for hyperscale data center projects in Des Moines, IA. You will establish budgets, manage procurement, and oversee change orders to ensure profitability from concept through completion.

The role requires 5–7 years in cost/PM within commercial construction and at least 1 year in hyperscale data center environments, with Procore and Building Connected proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CM/Engineering/Finance/Quantity Surveying or related field.
• Minimum 1 year of project experience in hyperscale or colocation data center construction.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in a project management or cost management role in commercial construction.
• Demonstrated expertise in full-cycle cost management for large-scale projects (ideally $50M+).
• Extensive procurement, tender, and change-order lifecycle experience.
• Proficiency in Procore, Building Connected, scheduling and estimating tools.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills; detail-oriented and commercially driven.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle cost management from concept through completion with robust cost controls.
• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans and forecasts at design milestones.
• Review design options for cost implications and ensure estimates meet accuracy standards.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and risk assessments for stakeholders.
• Manage tender documentation, bid leveling, and procurement reviews.
• Coordinate with client finance and accounting for accurate reporting and controls.

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 seeks 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.

What you can expect to do:

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.

What we expect you to have

• 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 $115,000-$165,000. 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.

Non-Solicitation Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

Ryan Companies kindly requests that recruitment agencies and third-party recruiters do not submit unsolicited resumes or candidate information to any Ryan Companies employee or office. Ryan Companies will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited submissions. If recruitment services are required, we will reach out directly to agencies on our approved vendor list. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.