What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Cost Manager position at Harper Harrison?
Senior Associate, Cost Management (Data Centers)
I'm currently partnering with a leading global data center developer and owner to hire a Senior Associate, Cost Management to support the delivery of hyperscale data center projects across North America while contributing to global cost management initiatives.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a rapidly growing organization developing large-scale digital infrastructure projects across multiple international markets.
Responsibilities:
- Lead cost management activities across multiple North American data center developments.
- Develop and maintain project estimates, budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections, and cost reports throughout the project lifecycle.
- Support business case development and provide CAPEX inputs for investment and underwriting models.
- Monitor project budgets, track contingency usage, and manage cost-related change control.
- Produce budget reconciliations, variance analysis, and executive-level reporting to support project and business decisions.
- Validate escalation, inflation, and market pricing assumptions impacting project costs.
- Partner with development, delivery, finance, investment, and business intelligence teams to ensure accurate cost reporting and forecasting.
- Oversee external cost consultants and ensure deliverables meet internal quality and reporting standards.
- Contribute to the development of cost management standards, reporting frameworks, templates, and best practices across a growing global portfolio.
What We're Looking For:
- 7–10 years of experience in Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or Project Controls.
- Experience delivering mission-critical, data center, industrial, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
Strong background in:
- Cost Estimating
- Budget Management
- Forecasting
- CAPEX Planning
- Cost Controls
- Change Management
- Contingency Management
- Cash Flow Analysis
- Experience supporting investment teams with underwriting assumptions and financial models.
- Proven ability to manage external cost consultants and commercial partners.
- Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
- Experience using Procore (required); exposure to Yardi, Yardi Construction Manager, or similar ERP platforms is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial and cost information to senior stakeholders.
Preferred Background:
Candidates from leading cost consultancies, owner/developers, EPC firms, or mission-critical construction organizations are encouraged to apply.
Experience working on hyperscale data center developments is highly preferred.
What We Offer:
- Competitive compensation package
- Opportunity to work on large-scale hyperscale data center developments
- Collaborative, high-performing team with strong opportunities for career growth
- Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates