Key Account Manager - Hyperscale Data Centers

Rider Levett Bucknall RLB; Ashburn, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) is seeking a Senior Cost Manager for hyperscale data centers in Ashburn, VA. You will lead cost management across all project phases, ensuring strict cost control and active client collaboration.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in data center cost management, a 4-year degree in a relevant field, and experience with CSI format; MEP estimating is preferred. Salary range is $130,000–$160,000, on-site employment with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Construction Management, Structural/Architectural/Civil field.
• 5+ years' experience in data center cost management.
• MEP estimating experience preferred.
• AACE/CPC certification preferred.
• Strong planning, organization and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management and quantity surveying across data center project phases.
• Develop and maintain cost estimates, budgets, cost plans, and bid docs.
• Perform value engineering and cost analysis to meet budgets.
• Provide cost advice during design development and ensure alignment with budgets.
• Manage procurement, bidding, and contractor award processes.
• Track costs, change orders, cash flow, and forecasts.
• Prepare regular cost reports and updates for clients.
• Review contractor pay apps and negotiate cost impacts.
• Assist in final accounts and project closeout.
• Provide commercial guidance to clients and teams.
• Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities.
• Communicate with stakeholders effectively.
• Ensure cost management aligns with standards and client requirements.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.

Skills

Cost management

Quantity surveying

Budgeting

Bid documentation

Client collaboration

Financial forecasting

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

4-year degree in Construction Management

Construction/Engineering degree

AACE/CPC certification preferred

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

CSI format knowledge

Job description

Job Category: Cost Management

Requisition Number: KEYAC001586

• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Ashburn, VA, USA

Description

Reporting to: Office Director

The proposed compensation range for this position is: $130,000 to $160,000. The offered rate of pay will be based on work location, individual education, skills & qualifications, and experience level.

The Key Account Manager - Hyperscale Data Centers is responsible for managing project costs across all stages of construction, ensuring effective cost control, accurate reporting, and strong client collaboration. The successful candidate will bring solid experience in construction cost management and the ability to lead cost planning and commercial activities on a range of project types. The Senior Cost Manager should have the ability to identify opportunities within a project that will add value and help successfully accomplish the client ’ s desired project outcome.

Essential Functions

• Lead and provide cost management and quantity surveying services across all data center project phases, from pre-construction through project closeout
• Develop and maintain cost estimates, project budgets, cost plans, and bid documentation throughout the design and construction phases
• Perform value engineering and cost analysis to support efficient project delivery and alignment with project budgets
• Provide cost advice during design development and ensure design decisions remain aligned with approved project budgets
• Manage procurement and bidding processes, including preparation of bid packages, bid evaluations, and recommendations for contractor award
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, contractor negotiations, and contract award processes
• Track and manage project costs, including change orders, cost reporting, project cash flow, and financial forecasting throughout the project lifecycle
• Prepare regular cost reports and financial updates for clients and project stakeholders
• Review and evaluate contractors, change order requests and negotiate cost impacts where required
• Review and process contractor and consultant pay applications and ensure compliance with contract terms
• Assist in the preparation, negotiation, and agreement of final accounts and project closeout documentation
• Provide commercial and financial guidance to clients and project teams to support informed decision-making
• Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, contractors, designers, and internal teams
• Ensure cost management processes align with company standards, project controls procedures, and client requirements
• Support, guide, and mentor junior staff while contributing to team development, training, and knowledge sharing

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a positive proactive approach to the role and will be committed to delivering customer service excellence.

• Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required: 4-year college degree in Construction Management, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating or equivalent recognized technical qualification
• Minimum Experience required: 5+ years ’ relevant experience in construction cost management in Data Centers, from program, conceptual, schematic, design development and construction document stages of design in elemental and CSI format for all architectural, structural, and civil components of new construction and renovation projects. Data Center experience required. MEP estimating experience preferred. AACE International and/or Certified Cost Professional preferred
• Knowledge and understanding of execution of cost management services; good planning, organization, and communication skills essential. Understanding of technical and non-technical documents related to cost management services required. Knowledge and use of industry-estimating software and Microsoft Office software programs

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Indoor office environment. May require work on site location when necessary
• Equipment used includes computers and standard office machines
• Essential physical tasks include:
  • Ability to work on a computer and the ability to answer and speak on a telephone

RLB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices based on race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.