Senior Cost Manager / Estimator - Data Center Construction

EWI Recruitment; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

EWI Recruitment is seeking a Senior Cost Manager / Estimator for data centre construction in Miami. You will deliver accurate cost plans, estimates and value engineering across the project lifecycle, coordinating with PMs, designers and contractors on complex, mission‑critical facilities.

The role requires strong knowledge of MEPS services, contract practices and commercial governance. Travel to project sites and collaboration with distributed teams are expected.

Qualifications

• Experience as a cost manager, QS or estimator on major construction projects.
• Experience with data centre, technology facilities or high-service buildings preferred.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates, cost plans, bills of quantities and tender documentation.
• Review drawings, specifications and design information to identify scope, interfaces, omissions and cost risks.
• Manage cost planning, budgeting, forecasting and value engineering activities.
• Obtain, analyse and benchmark quotations from contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Assess variations, compensation events, claims and potential commercial exposure.
• Monitor project expenditure, commitments and cash flow, providing regular reports to senior stakeholders.
• Support procurement strategies, tender evaluations and contract negotiations.
• Maintain accurate cost records and contribute to governance, risk and change‑control processes.
• Build effective relationships with internal teams, consultants, contractors and client representatives.

Skills

Cost management

Cost estimation

Budgeting

Forecasting

Education

RICS or equivalent qualification

Degree in construction management or related field

Tools

Estimating software

Costing software

Job description

Senior Cost Manager / Estimator – Data Centre Construction

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Estimator to support the delivery of complex data centre construction projects. This role will be responsible for providing accurate commercial and estimating expertise throughout the project lifecycle, from early feasibility and design development through to procurement, construction and final account.

Working closely with project managers, designers, contractors and specialist suppliers, you will develop robust cost plans, assess risks and ensure that project costs remain controlled and transparent. The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of construction methods, building services and the specialist requirements associated with mission‑critical facilities.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates, cost plans, bills of quantities and tender documentation.
• Review drawings, specifications and design information to identify scope, interfaces, omissions and cost risks.
• Manage cost planning, budgeting, forecasting and value engineering activities.
• Obtain, analyse and benchmark quotations from contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Assess variations, compensation events, claims and potential commercial exposure.
• Monitor project expenditure, commitments and cash flow, providing regular reports to senior stakeholders.
• Support procurement strategies, tender evaluations and contract negotiations.
• Maintain accurate cost records and contribute to governance, risk and change‑control processes.
• Build effective relationships with internal teams, consultants, contractors and client representatives.

About you

You will be an experienced cost manager, quantity surveyor or estimator with a proven background in major construction projects, ideally within data centres, technology facilities, pharmaceutical environments or other highly serviced buildings. A strong understanding of mechanical and electrical services, construction contracts and commercial management is highly desirable.

Excellent analytical, communication and negotiation skills are essential, together with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced project environment. You should be confident working with estimating and cost‑management software, spreadsheets and reporting tools. A relevant degree or professional qualification, such as RICS or equivalent, would be advantageous. The role may involve travel to project sites and collaboration with geographically distributed teams.