Senior Cost Manager - Data Center Construction

Cumming Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 102,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

401(k) Matching

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Short and long-term disability

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Cumming Group in Chicago is seeking a Senior Cost Manager to lead cost management and estimating on a data center construction project. You will develop budgets, manage subcontractor relations, and support contract negotiations to ensure project success.

The role requires 5–8 years in cost management with a strong grasp of estimating methodologies and market economics. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction, Cost Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field.
• 5–8 years in Cost Management or Quantity Surveying; professional accreditation preferred (MRICS, AssocRICS, CCP, CEP, CPE, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of construction costs, estimating methodologies, economics, and local market regulations.
• Proven ability to deliver accurate pricing, cost management, and project support across all phases.
• Excellent communication and ability to work with clients and cross-functional teams.
• Experience supporting business development and client growth.

Responsibilities

• Review, interpret and accurately estimate the scope of assigned work as described in the project documents.
• Develop and nurture sub-contractor, vendor, and client relationships.
• Lead client accounts.
• Review and comment on contracts and participate in contract negotiation.
• Prepare sub-contractor analysis sheets for assigned scope of work.
• Evaluate changes and subcontractor change order estimates and provide expertise in all phases of construction work.
• Perform Continuous Cost Management.
• Manage contract administration at the project level.
• Partner with management team in developing new customers and growing existing customer base.
• Develop and nurture client relationships to ensure client satisfaction.
• Support senior management by providing needed reports and responding to inquiries for information.
• Mentor associate level cost and commercial managers.
• Prepare project plans.

Skills

Cost management

Estimating methodologies

Analytical thinking

Client relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction, Cost Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field

Tools

BIM 5D cost modeling

Job description

At Cumming Group, you will work on some of the world's most exciting projects in a dynamic environment where your success is measured by the impact you make. We are one of the fastest-growing project and cost management consultancies in the United States, as reflected in our top 15 rankings in ENR. With over 70 offices globally, an extremely diverse project portfolio, and double-digit year-over-year revenue growth, the opportunities to make your mark are limitless!

In this role, you will be a member of our highly reputable cost management and estimating team. The cost team delivers solutions to clients in the areas of conceptual estimating, budget development, cost planning, feasibility studies, value management, economic forecasting, milestone reports, pre- and post-contract auditing, change order review and reconciliation, BIM 5D cost modeling, LEED cost analysis, life cycle costing, and more. We encourage you to research us to learn more about our outstanding reputation within this service line.

We are currently looking for a Senior Cost Manager to join our team on a data center construction project in Chicago. To be successful you will have experience developing and maintaining all aspects of cost management for real estate projects across multiple sectors. Experience working on data centers cost management is preferred, but not necessary. Come join our team!

Responsibilities

• Review, interpret and accurately estimate the scope of assigned work as described in the project documents.

• Develop and nurture sub-contractor, vendor, and client relationships.

• Lead client accounts.

• Review and comment on contracts and participate in contract negotiation.

• Prepare sub-contractor analysis sheets for assigned scope of work.

• Evaluate changes and subcontractor change order estimates and provide expertise in all phases of construction work.

• Perform Continuous Cost Management.

• Manage contract administration at the project level.

• Partner with management team in developing new customers and growing existing customer base.

• Develop and nurture client relationships to ensure client satisfaction.

• Support senior management by providing needed reports and responding to inquiries for information.

• Mentor associate level cost and commercial managers.

• Prepare project plans.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Construction, Cost Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field.
• Experience: 5 to 8 years in Cost Management or Quantity Surveying; professional accreditation preferred (MRICS, AssocRICS, CCP, CEP, CPE, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of construction costs, estimating methodologies, construction delivery, economics, and local market regulations.
• Proven ability to deliver accurate pricing, cost management, and project support across all phases of construction.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex information.
• Effective communicator with the ability to build relationships with clients, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting business development, client growth, and industry networking.
• Demonstrated accountability, collaboration, and commitment to professional development.
• Working knowledge of construction law, measurement methods, and project lifecycle management.
• Professional qualification relevant to the role required.

#LI-VM1

Cumming Group is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity in its personnel policies and practices. It is Cumming Group’s policy to recruit, hire, train and promote Team Members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, marital status, registered domestic partner status, genetic information, sexual preference, sexual orientation, gender (including gender expression and gender identity), pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions, including breastfeeding), military service, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical disability, mental disability, veteran status or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. All such decisions are based on (1) individual merit, qualifications, and competence as they relate to the particular position, and (2) promotion of the principle of equal employment opportunity.

All other terms and conditions of employment, such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoff, return from layoff, training, education, and social and recreational programs, are administered without regard to the characteristics described above. To this end, Cumming Group complies with all provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, all of the rules, regulations and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor, and all similar state and local laws.

The salary range for this full-time role is $102,300.00-$149,233.36 per year. Ranges are determined based on the position, geography, client and industry experience and level, and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range reflects base salary only, and not the total compensation package. Cumming Group reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on a candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, including client requirements.

In addition to base salary, Cumming Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Short and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program