Cost Lead - Data Center Construction
Henderson Scott US, Austin, TX, United States
As Cost Lead, you will own cost management across a global data center portfolio - from early-stage budgeting and estimating through construction and final account. You'll establish processes where they do not currently exist, build benchmarks from the ground up, and serve as the Cost Lead across the delivery program. You will work closely with project managers, A/E design teams, general contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure projects remain on budget and decisions are grounded in accurate cost data.
Key Responsibilities
Own cost planning across all project phases - from concept and pre-design through construction documents and GMP negotiation
Develop detailed estimates for civil, structural, MEP, HV/LV power, cooling, fuel systems, and shell construction
Maintain real-time cost forecasts across all active projects; track actuals vs. budget and identify variances early
Own change order review, assessing scope validity, commercial accuracy, and contract entitlement before recommending approval
Prepare executive-level cost reports across the portfolio, highlighting key risks and opportunities
Manage contingency tracking and cost risk registers across project phases
Lead value engineering exercises with design and construction teams to optimize cost without compromising scope or schedule
Support general contractor and subcontractor procurement including bid leveling, scope gap analysis, and contract negotiation
Advise on contract structure and commercial risk allocation across delivery models
Build the cost management function from the ground up including tools, templates, workflows, and reporting cadence
Establish and maintain a unit cost benchmark database covering key data center cost categories
Contribute to preconstruction planning on new sites including order-of-magnitude estimates to support site selection and investment decisions
Qualifications
Experience in cost management, quantity surveying, or construction estimating
Hands‑on experience with data center or mission‑critical construction projects
Owner‑side experience preferred; general contractor or quantity surveying consulting experience considered
Deep understanding of data center cost structures including civil, structural, MEP, power, cooling, emergency systems, and IT fit‑out
Strong understanding of how design decisions impact capital cost
Experience benchmarking at $/MW, $/SF, and $/kW
Strong change order management and contract review experience
Familiarity with GMP, lump sum, and cost‑plus contract structures
Proficiency with cost management tools such as Procore, Sage, or similar platforms
Degree in construction management, quantity surveying, engineering, or related field
Ability to build processes in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment
Salary & Benefits
Competitive total compensation package (salary + equity)
Retirement or pension plan, in line with local norms
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Generous PTO policy
Salary Range:
$160,000 - $250,000 per year depending on experience, skills, qualifications, and location. Total compensation may also include equity in the form of stock options.
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Key Responsibilities
Own cost planning across all project phases - from concept and pre-design through construction documents and GMP negotiation
Develop detailed estimates for civil, structural, MEP, HV/LV power, cooling, fuel systems, and shell construction
Maintain real-time cost forecasts across all active projects; track actuals vs. budget and identify variances early
Own change order review, assessing scope validity, commercial accuracy, and contract entitlement before recommending approval
Prepare executive-level cost reports across the portfolio, highlighting key risks and opportunities
Manage contingency tracking and cost risk registers across project phases
Lead value engineering exercises with design and construction teams to optimize cost without compromising scope or schedule
Support general contractor and subcontractor procurement including bid leveling, scope gap analysis, and contract negotiation
Advise on contract structure and commercial risk allocation across delivery models
Build the cost management function from the ground up including tools, templates, workflows, and reporting cadence
Establish and maintain a unit cost benchmark database covering key data center cost categories
Contribute to preconstruction planning on new sites including order-of-magnitude estimates to support site selection and investment decisions
Qualifications
Experience in cost management, quantity surveying, or construction estimating
Hands‑on experience with data center or mission‑critical construction projects
Owner‑side experience preferred; general contractor or quantity surveying consulting experience considered
Deep understanding of data center cost structures including civil, structural, MEP, power, cooling, emergency systems, and IT fit‑out
Strong understanding of how design decisions impact capital cost
Experience benchmarking at $/MW, $/SF, and $/kW
Strong change order management and contract review experience
Familiarity with GMP, lump sum, and cost‑plus contract structures
Proficiency with cost management tools such as Procore, Sage, or similar platforms
Degree in construction management, quantity surveying, engineering, or related field
Ability to build processes in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment
Salary & Benefits
Competitive total compensation package (salary + equity)
Retirement or pension plan, in line with local norms
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Generous PTO policy
Salary Range:
$160,000 - $250,000 per year depending on experience, skills, qualifications, and location. Total compensation may also include equity in the form of stock options.
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