Cost Manager (Construction/Data Center)

Aston Carter•Phoenix, AZ

10d•$67 - $87•Onsite

About The Position

Lead full-cycle cost management for complex construction projects, from initial concept through completion, ensuring effective cost controls throughout each stage. The role develops project budgets, cost plans, estimates, lifecycle cost models, forecasts, cash flow projections, and monthly cost and risk reports. It evaluates design alternatives, construction approaches, subcontractor change requests, bids, and contractual matters to inform project and procurement decisions. The Cost Manager prepares tender documentation, manages bidder queries and bid reviews, produces tender recommendation reports, and supports subcontractor requisitions and account reconciliation. The role coordinates with finance and accounting teams, monitors market and cost factors, oversees project financial tools and records, and leads and mentors team members responsible for cost management, financial tracking, and commercial administration. The position is a contract-to-hire role based onsite in Phoenix, Arizona, with a stated pay range of $67.00–$86.53 per hour.

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience in complex project execution and financial oversight, preferably in large-scale construction projects (the posting states “710+ years”).
Experience in hyperscale or colocation data center construction, or similarly complex, large-scale projects.
Expertise in cost management, cost analysis, and cost estimating across project phases.
Strong financial reporting skills, including monthly cost reports, risk assessments, and cash flow forecasts.
Experience aligning budgets and contracts so project budgets reflect contractual commitments and scope.
Experience managing change orders, evaluating subcontractor change requests, and understanding contractual entitlements.
Experience in construction project management and commercial support for trade procurement and subcontractor administration.
Experience leading teams and overseeing direct reports, including guidance, coaching, and performance oversight.

Responsibilities

Lead cost management for complex construction projects from concept through completion and establish cost controls.
Conduct scope definition workshops with stakeholders and develop project budgets.
Create, maintain, and update cost plans and estimates aligned with each design phase; revise forecasts at project milestones.
Assess the cost implications of design alternatives, emerging technologies, and construction methods.
Develop lifecycle cost models and use benchmarking data to support project decisions.
Evaluate subcontractor change order requests for alignment with contract requirements and project scope, and recommend actions.
Prepare and present monthly cost reports and risk assessments, including variances, risks, and mitigation recommendations.
Support stakeholder meetings with financial content, insights, and commentary on cost performance and trends.
Prepare and maintain project lifecycle cash flow forecasts.
Prepare tender documentation for trade packages and manage bidder questions and scope clarifications.
Perform bid leveling and compliance reviews; produce tender recommendation reports and lead trade package review meetings.
Manage monthly pencil requisitions, review variations, and support agreement of rolling and final subcontractor accounts.
Review contractual terms and recommend entitlements related to change orders, claims, and other commercial matters.
Coordinate with finance and accounting teams to support accurate reporting and compliance with financial controls.
Analyze local labor markets, union considerations, commodity price changes, and tax impacts for project cost strategy and budget updates.
Lead and mentor a team, providing direction and oversight to direct reports.
Oversee financial and budgeting elements including projections, budget setup, pay applications, and milestone tracking.
Use project financial management tools and collaborative platforms to manage project finances, track changes, and maintain cost information.