Construction Cost Manager - Mission Critical

Job Description: Ryan Companies is seeking an experienced and commercially-astute Construction Cost Manager to lead our complex hyperscale and colocation data center projects. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and, most importantly, on budget. This role is laser-focused on rigorous cost control, full-cycle financial management, and expert commercial oversight. You will be the financial guardian of the project, responsible for establishing budgets, managing procurement, controlling change, and ensuring profitability from concept through completion. Cost Management & Estimating - Lead the full-cycle cost management of projects, establishing and maintaining robust cost controls from concept through completion. - Conduct scope definition workshops with clients to develop accurate, comprehensive project budgets. - Create and maintain detailed cost plans and estimates aligned with each design phase, updating forecasts at key project milestones. - Review design alternatives, emerging technologies, and construction means-and-methods for cost implications, ensuring all estimates meet required accuracy standards. - Deliver lifecycle cost models and integrate benchmarking data to support informed, data-driven decision-making. - Perform detailed evaluations of all subcontractor change order requests based on contractual requirements and project scope. Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement - Prepare and present monthly cost reports and risk assessments to senior internal and external stakeholders, highlighting key variances, risks, and recommended mitigation actions. - Support monthly stakeholder meetings and formal presentations with clear financial content, data-driven insights, and expert commentary. - Produce and maintain detailed cash flow forecasts across the project lifecycle to support client financial planning and internal reporting. Procurement & Commercial Support - Prepare comprehensive tender documentation for all trade packages, manage the tender query process, and perform detailed bid leveling and compliance reviews. - Produce formal Tender Recommendation Reports and lead trade package review meetings, ensuring a transparent and compliant procurement process. - Manage the monthly pencil requisition process, diligently review all variations, and support the project team in agreeing to rolling and final accounts with subcontractors. Contract & Financial Oversight - Review and interpret all contractual terms to recommend entitlements related to change orders, claims, and other commercial matters. - Coordinate directly with client finance and accounting teams to ensure accurate reporting and full compliance with all financial controls. - Analyze and report on local labor markets, union implications, commodity fluctuations, and tax impacts to inform project cost strategy and budget updates. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Quantity Surveying, or a related field. A minimum of 1 year of project experience in the hyperscale or colocation data center construction industry is required. A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in a project management or cost management role within the commercial construction industry. Demonstrable expertise in full-cycle cost management for large-scale projects (ideally $50M+), with a deep understanding of construction accounting principles. Extensive, hands-on experience managing procurement, tender processes, and the entire change order lifecycle.