Senior Cost Manager

Jobtailor; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a seasoned Project Budget Manager for data center programs in Illinois. You will oversee budgets through the full project life cycle, manage GMP phases, and lead subcontractor selection.

The role requires strong budgeting, financial reporting, and client management skills, with the ability to guide and develop junior staff while partnering with site teams and executive stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7 years relevant experience.
• RICS designation preferred but not necessary.
• 4 years or more data center construction experience required
• Construction consultancy experience preferred
• Strong foundation in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems and software
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with high attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage project/campus budgets through the project life cycle.
• Manage the GMP phase and subcontractor selection process.
• Review all change orders and payment applications for contract alignment.
• Monitor and report budget performance vs targets to executives.
• Collaborate with site teams and client leads.
• Support program-wide efforts to reduce costs and increase cost certainty.
• Act as primary contact for data center clients to achieve objectives.
• Lead junior staff and assist with their development.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Cost control

Client management

Communication

Negotiation

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Related field

Tools

Cost control software

Financial reporting software

Job description

Responsibilities

• Preparing and managing project / campus budgets through the project life cycle
• Managing the GMP phase and subcontractor selection process
• Review all change orders and payment applications to ensure contract alignment
• Monitor and report project budget performance vs targets for executive team
• Collaboration with site teams and client leads
• Support program wide efforts to reduce costs and increase cost certainty
• Act as a primary contact for data center clients, ensuring all objectives are achieved
• Lead junior staff members and assist with their development

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field
• 7 years relevant experience
• RICS designation preferred but not necessary
• 4 years or more data center construction experience required
• Construction consultancy experience preferred
• Strong foundation in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems and software
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with high attention to detail