Senior Cost Manager/Commercial Manager - Data Centre

Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Leadership & Cost Strategy: Lead the development and management of project budgets, cost plans, and forecasting for data centre developments. Provide strategic cost advice on value engineering, procurement strategies, and cost optimisation. Establish cost control frameworks aligned with programme, risk, and delivery strategies.
• Cost Planning & Pre Contract Services: Oversee preparation of detailed cost estimates, benchmarking, and feasibility studies. Lead cost planning through concept, design, and pre construction stages. Challenge design solutions and propose alternatives to optimise cost, performance, and constructability in mission critical environments.
• Procurement & Tender Management: Develop and implement procurement strategies for CSA, MEP, and specialist systems (e.g. power, cooling, containment). Lead tender processes including tender documentation, evaluations, negotiations, and recommendations. Ensure commercial alignment across multiple contract packages and vendors.
• Post Contract Cost Control: Manage post contract activities including variations, change control, claims assessment, and cost reporting. Oversee contractor valuations and certify payments in line with contractual terms. Lead final account negotiations and project close out.
• Stakeholder & Client Management: Act as the primary commercial interface with clients, project teams, and key stakeholders. Present cost reports, forecasts, and commercial insights to senior stakeholders. Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring a high level of service delivery.
• Data Centre / Technical Coordination: Work closely with engineering teams to understand power, cooling, redundancy (Tier standards), and infrastructure requirements. Provide commercial oversight on critical systems including UPS, generators, chillers, CRAH/CRAC units, and structured cabling. Support alignment between design intent and cost efficiency in highly technical environments.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Lead and mentor Cost Managers and Assistant Cost Managers within the team. Review deliverables to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with project standards. Support team development and capability building.
• Governance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with internal governance, financial controls, and client reporting requirements. Identify cost risks early and develop mitigation strategies. Drive continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across data centre projects