Cost Manager

Overwatch Mission Critical•Ward County, TX

11d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Cost Manager to provide independent cost management and financial oversight for a new data center construction program. This individual will serve on behalf of the owner to track project costs, validate GC pay applications, manage the change order process, and deliver accurate budget forecasts to the owner's leadership team throughout the project lifecycle. The successful candidate will bring strong quantity surveying or cost engineering expertise, experience with large-scale MEP-heavy construction, and the analytical capability to proactively surface budget risks before they become financial exposures.

Requirements

6+ years of cost management, quantity surveying, or cost engineering experience on commercial, industrial, or mission-critical construction projects.
Experience managing construction budgets in excess of $100M.
Proficiency in cost management platforms (e.g., Procore, Sage, PRISM, or equivalent).
Strong analytical skills; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for cost modeling and reporting.
Thorough understanding of construction contract types (GMP, lump sum, unit price) and change management processes.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and schedules for cost validation purposes.
Must be able to walk, stand, stoop, twist, bend, and climb stairs or ladders for extended periods while navigating uneven, unpaved, or obstructed terrain.
Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
Must be able to drive between job sites and access all areas of an active construction zone, including raised platforms, scaffolding, and confined spaces.
Must be able to tolerate exposure to outdoor weather conditions, dust, and construction-related noise, vibrations, and odors.
Must be able to communicate effectively with contractors, engineers, and site personnel, and maintain situational awareness in high-activity environments.
Personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety vests, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots, is required.
Must have sufficient visual acuity to read drawings, specifications, and safety signage, and to observe site activity.
Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license appropriate for the role and be eligible to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with applicable laws.

Nice To Haves

Experience with data center or mission-critical facility construction, including MEP-intensive and long-lead equipment procurement.
CCE (Certified Cost Engineer) or CVS certification from AACE International.
Familiarity with earned value management (EVM) and cost/schedule integration.
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or Finance.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain the owner's independent project cost report (PCR), tracking budget, commitments, expenditures, and projected final cost.
Review and validate GC monthly pay applications against schedule of values, work-in-place, and stored materials; recommend approval or withholding to the owner's PM.
Manage the change order log; independently evaluate GC change proposals for scope, pricing, and schedule impact validity.
Conduct cost risk analysis and maintain a project contingency tracker with drawdown history and remaining exposure.
Coordinate with the Scheduler (DC-SCH-003) to align cost forecasts with schedule progress and milestone-based payment structures.
Track owner-direct vendor and equipment costs (transformers, switchgear, generators, UPS, cooling equipment) alongside GC contract costs.
Prepare monthly cost reports and executive budget summaries for the owner's program and finance teams.
Support procurement activities including bid review, cost comparison matrices, and contract award recommendations.
Assist in claim prevention and documentation; maintain contemporaneous cost records to support potential dispute resolution.
Monitor subcontractor payment compliance (including conditional/unconditional lien waivers) in coordination with the legal and finance teams.