Cost Manager - Mission Critical

ryancompanies; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Education assistance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Ryan Companies seeks an experienced Construction Cost Manager to lead cost control for hyperscale data center projects in the U.S. You will establish budgets, manage procurement, and supervise change orders to ensure profitability.

The role requires ownership of lifecycle cost models, rigorous reporting to stakeholders, and collaboration with clients and teams to align design with cost targets. Strong negotiation and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Minimum 1 year of project experience in hyperscale or colocation data center construction.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in project or cost management within commercial construction.
• Demonstrated expertise in full-cycle cost management for large-scale projects (ideally $50M+).
• Extensive experience managing procurement, tender processes, and the change order lifecycle.
• Proficiency with Procore, Building Connected, and standard scheduling/estimating tools.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills with clear financial data presentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle cost management from concept through completion.
• Develop budgets with clients via scope definition workshops.
• Create and maintain detailed cost plans and forecasts per design phase.
• Review design alternatives for cost implications and accuracy.
• Deliver lifecycle cost models and benchmarking data for decision making.
• Evaluate subcontractor change orders per contract requirements.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and risk assessments for stakeholders.
• Support procurement, tender documentation, bid leveling, and reviews.
• Manage pencil requisitions, variations, and final accounts with subcontractors.

Skills

Cost management

Negotiation

Analytical

Communication

Procurement

Tendering

Change orders

Budgeting

Ownership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Procore

Building Connected

Scheduling tools

Estimating tools

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.

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

Family Planning & Parenting Benefits

Employee Discount Programs

Pet insurance

Charitable Donation Matching

Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

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.

Notice to Candidates

Please be advised that initial outreach re