Senior Data Center Cost Manager

Actalent; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in the Chicago area is seeking an Estimator / Senior Cost Manager for data center construction to act as a cost consultant, quantity surveyor, and estimator across a large program. You will deliver cost planning, benchmarking, CAPEX forecasting, and design-stage cost management for complex, mission-critical facilities.

This salaried, on-site role collaborates with clients, design teams, contractors, and stakeholders to maintain budgets, review pricing, monitor performance, and drive

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in cost management or quantity surveying.
• Experience with cost planning, benchmarking, and CAPEX forecasting.
• Ability to review pricing, change orders, and contractual compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost estimates for data center and commercial construction.
• Prepare budgets, cost plans, and benchmarking analyses.
• Evaluate power, redundancy, cooling, and infrastructure cost drivers.
• Support early-stage planning with robust cost analysis.
• Establish budgets, forecasts, and baselines across design & construction.
• Monitor cost performance and recommend actions.
• Review subcontractor/vendor proposals for completeness and competitiveness.
• Lead value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.
• Assist with procurement strategy, bid evaluations, and contractor selection.
• Prepare regular cost reports and executive updates.
• Support cash flow forecasting and contingency planning.
• Mentor junior cost staff and support project teams.

Skills

Cost estimation

Quantity surveying

Data center cost management

Budgeting & forecasting

Excel advanced modelling

Stakeholder communication

Contract administration

Education

MRICS / AssocRICS / CCP / CEP / CPE or similar

Tools

On Screen Takeoff

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

Actalent in the Chicago area is seeking an Estimator / Senior Cost Manager for data center construction to act as a cost consultant, quantity surveyor, and estimator across a large program. You will deliver cost planning, benchmarking, CAPEX forecasting, and design-stage cost management for complex, mission-critical facilities.

This salaried, on-site role collaborates with clients, design teams, contractors, and stakeholders to maintain budgets, review pricing, monitor performance, and drive