What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Cost Manager position at E-Frontiers?
Partnering with a global Project & Cost Management company looking for a Senior Cost Manager to join the team in South Bend, IN for a large-scale data center project.
The Senior Cost Manager will lead cost management services across a diverse portfolio of critical infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on data centers. This is a high-impact role that blends hands-on project delivery, team leadership, and client engagement.
You’ll act as a trusted advisor to clients while driving cost strategies, managing risk, and ensuring projects stay aligned with budget and business goals from concept through closeout.
What You’ll Do
- Lead cost planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting across multiple projects
- Manage the full cost lifecycle, from feasibility and estimating through procurement, cost control, and final accounts
- Oversee the development of estimates across all design stages
- Partner with design teams to provide cost guidance and support informed decision-making
- Deliver value engineering, cost analysis, and estimate reconciliations
- Identify and manage risks related to cost, schedule, procurement, and site constraints
- Advise on procurement strategies and contracting approaches
- Lead and support tender processes, including bid preparation, analysis, and recommendations
- Review contractor pricing and ensure scope alignment and completeness
- Manage change orders, cost variations, and contractor negotiations
- Monitor project financials, including cash flow, forecasting, and reporting
- Review contractor payment applications and oversee cost control processes
- Support final account settlement, claims analysis, and dispute resolution
- Build strong client relationships and act as a key point of contact
- Mentor and support junior team members, fostering team development
- Ensure consistency, quality, and best practices across all cost management activities
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Cost Estimating, or a related field
- 5–10 years of experience in construction cost estimating across a variety of project types
- Strong experience across all design phases (concept through construction documentation)
- Knowledge of CSI formats and estimating for architectural, structural, and civil scopes (MEP experience is a plus)
- Familiarity with data center or critical infrastructure projects is highly preferred
- Professional certifications such as AACE, RICS, or Certified Cost Professional (preferred)
- Strong understanding of cost management principles and project delivery
- Excellent communication, organization, and stakeholder management skills
- Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office tools
- Solid understanding of MEP systems is a strong advantage