Cost Lead

Integra Mission Critical • Houston, TX

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Cost Lead is a senior leadership role responsible for driving end-to-end cost management across a multi-billion-dollar, mission-critical data center construction program. This individual will establish and lead best-in-class cost control practices, ensuring accurate forecasting, disciplined change management, and proactive identification of cost risks. This role acts as a strategic partner to program leadership, delivering actionable insights through advanced analytics, earned value management (EVM), and performance reporting to enable data-driven decision-making across a complex, fast-paced delivery environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• 12+ years of progressive experience in project controls or cost management
• Proven experience leading cost for large-scale capital programs ($1B+), preferably data centers, mission-critical, or complex EPC projects
• Demonstrated success managing multi-project or program-level cost functions
• Deep expertise in cost management, forecasting, and earned value management (EVM)
• Strong experience with ERP and project controls systems (e.g., Costpoint, SAP, Oracle, Procore)
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools (Power BI or similar)
• Strong understanding of contract structures, procurement strategies, and commercial terms
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset
• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management capabilities
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth, and highly complex environment
• High attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and accountability

Nice To Haves

• Experience in hyperscale data center programs or mission-critical infrastructure
• Background spanning both construction and manufacturing/supply chain environments
• Experience in program-level reporting and governance frameworks
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, EVP, CCP, or similar)

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of program-level cost management, including budget development, control, forecasting, and reporting across multiple projects/sites
• Establish and maintain the program cost baseline, ensuring alignment with contract requirements, funding approvals, and execution strategy
• Serve as the single point of accountability for cost performance across the program
• Develop and maintain integrated cost forecasts, incorporating input from construction, procurement, engineering, and commercial teams
• Implement and drive Earned Value Management (EVM) processes to measure performance and identify trends early
• Deliver executive-level reporting, including KPIs, dashboards, and variance analysis for internal leadership and external stakeholders
• Provide forward-looking insights on cost exposure, trends, and risks
• Lead change management processes, ensuring all changes are properly captured, evaluated, approved, and reflected in forecasts
• Manage cost impacts of scope changes, claims, and commercial events
• Drive consistency and rigor in cost control procedures across all projects
• Partner with program leadership to identify and quantify cost risks and opportunities
• Manage and monitor program contingency, including drawdown strategy and reporting
• Support scenario planning and sensitivity analysis for major program decisions
• Oversee cost systems and ERP integration (e.g., Costpoint, Procore, SAP, or similar)
• Enhance and standardize cost control processes, tools, and data governance
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve forecast accuracy and reporting efficiency
• Interface directly with executive stakeholders, clients, JV partners, and functional leads
• Drive alignment across engineering, procurement, construction, and finance teams
• Mentor and develop project controls team members, promoting consistency and best practices

Benefits

• Competitive pay with incentive opportunities that recognize your results and contributions.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage that supports you and your family’s total well-being.
• Life and disability insurance programs that provide protection when it matters most.
• A variety of voluntary benefits so you can personalize coverage to fit your needs.
• Generous paid time off to relax, travel, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Education assistance and tuition support to help you build skills and advance your career.
• Retirement and savings programs that help you achieve long-term financial confidence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior