Metro Cost Lead

Microsoft•San Antonio, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. Within CO&I, the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) organization is responsible for delivering core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the cloud datacenters that power the world’s largest online services. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. This role is located either in one or all hub locations - San Antonio, TX. Relocation support will be provided, and successful candidates must relocate or reside within 50 miles of the hub office location. This role is eligible for hybrid work, up to (40% indicated by HM) %. To help us accelerate achieving our objectives, growth, and transformation, we are looking for a strong Lead Cost Manager for the metro’s data center builds to work alongside the Project Manager to commercially manage all data center construction projects. Being part of this team would give you an opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing business and enable global impact. In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 10+ years related experience
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role.
Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years related experience
12+ years experience working on data center projects.
Charted Quantity Surveyor (RICS or equivalent)
Working knowledge of construction contracts used internationally especially in AMERs
Deep knowledge and experience of the commercial management role in the procurement of GC contracts and other construction vendors
Ability to understand what "right" looks like contractually and financially and be then able to negotiate with the other parties to ensure that this is the final position.
Excellent communication skills, ability to collaborate with all other areas of the data center program, be able to think strategically, ability to build the trust of our construction partners needed to agree very large construction GMPs and final accounts
Deep commercial knowledge of construction internationally
The ideal candidate will be a chartered Quantity surveyor, RICS qualified, with deep knowledge in construction costs, estimating and procurement and will be comfortable in a construction team environment. Experience in leading cost teams in negotiations with general contractors is essential. The candidate will have a solid contractual and procurement knowledge and have the ability to work in a fast paced environment dealing with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Work alongside the DCD Project Manager to commercially manage all projects in the region
Provide on location commercial management to the projects to ensure that Microsoft are financially and contractually protected
Management of all commercial issues on all current, future and past projects and report on these issues through the Project Controls & DCD head office in Redmond on a regular basis
Commercial management of the GC from liaison with our procurement office on the RFP documents through to the final payments and agreement of the final accounts and paperwork.
Detailed estimation of the project based on local design documents
Agreement of estimates with the GC at during design development and agreement of the GMP.
Pay application assessment and approval for the GC, all equipment vendors and all project support consultants
Estimation of and commercial agreement of all change orders
Draft commercial detail of all funding requests
Review and agreement of all GC procurement of the subcontract packages including the approval of the LOAs (Letters of Authorization)
Commercial review of all disputes that may arise
Commercial management of all other program vendors including AE, Cx, Inspections, PMQS, QRA
Presenting proposals to head office for purchase order approval
Approving invoices for all project vendors
Final account agreement & closeout for all vendor accounts
Manage the QS firm contracted to provide commercial support in the region.
Assist in the procurement of QS firm
Manage the resources allocated to the projects to ensure that they are appropriate in number and quality
Regular MBUs with the cost management firms
Cost Reporting: Work with the PMQS, GC and project controls to ensure that the full suite of cost reports are available for review by Redmond on a monthly basis
Provide the PER (funding) team all commercial support necessary to ascertain the required timing of the funding intervals and all commercial information needed to back up these funding requests to management. This will normally involve the production of multiple option cost scenarios.
Design Team commercial support: From project kick-off through to final design provide commercial support on business cases, value engineering studies and change control as the design evolves from POR though to final design
Site selection support: Work with our site selection team in the region to provide constructability reports and site specific comparative estimates on candidate sites. Also provide all funding and PO support necessary for this team to perform in the region
Commercial Process control: Review the current commercial processes in the region and develop these into a commercial playbook. On agreement of this playbook the candidate shall be responsible for the consistent implementation of same