Location: Houston, TX Department: DEPADM
The Opportunity The Program Cost Lead is a senior leadership role responsible for driving end-to-end cost management across a multi-billion-dollar,mission-critical data center construction program. This individual will establish and lead best-in-class cost control practices, ensuring accurate forecasting, disciplined change management, and proactive identification of cost risks.
This role acts as a strategic partner to program leadership, delivering actionable insights through advanced analytics, earned value management (EVM), and performance reporting to enable data-driven decision-making across a complex, fast-paced delivery environment.
What you will do? Program Cost Leadership & Governance - Lead all aspects of program-level cost management, including budget development, control, forecasting, and reporting across multiple projects/sites
- Establish and maintain the program cost baseline, ensuring alignment with contract requirements, funding approvals, and execution strategy
- Serve as the single point of accountability for cost performance across the program
Forecasting, Reporting & Analytics - Develop and maintain integrated cost forecasts, incorporating input from construction, procurement, engineering, and commercial teams
- Implement and drive Earned Value Management (EVM) processes to measure performance and identify trends early
- Deliver executive-level reporting, including KPIs, dashboards, and variance analysis for internal leadership and external stakeholders
- Provide forward-looking insights on cost exposure, trends, and risks
Change Management & Controls - Lead change management processes, ensuring all changes are properly captured, evaluated, approved, and reflected in forecasts
- Manage cost impacts of scope changes, claims, and commercial events
- Drive consistency and rigor in cost control procedures across all projects
Risk & Contingency Management - Partner with program leadership to identify and quantify cost risks and opportunities
- Manage and monitor program contingency, including drawdown strategy and reporting
- Support scenario planning and sensitivity analysis for major program decisions
Systems, Tools & Process Optimization - Oversee cost systems and ERP integration (e.g., Costpoint, Procore, SAP, or similar)
- Enhance and standardize cost control processes, tools, and data governance
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve forecast accuracy and reporting efficiency
Stakeholder Leadership & Collaboration - Interface directly with executive stakeholders, clients, JV partners, and functional leads
- Drive alignment across engineering, procurement, construction, and finance teams
- Mentor and develop project controls team members, promoting consistency and best practices
Required Qualifications Education & Experience - Bachelor's degree in Finance, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
- 12+ years of progressive experience in project controls or cost management
- Proven experience leading cost for large-scale capital programs ($1B+), preferably data centers, mission-critical, or complex EPC projects
- Demonstrated success managing multi-project or program-level cost functions
Technical Skills - Deep expertise in cost management, forecasting, and earned value management (EVM)
- Strong experience with ERP and project controls systems (e.g., Costpoint, SAP, Oracle, Procore)
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools (Power BI or similar)
- Strong understanding of contract structures, procurement strategies, and commercial terms
Leadership & Competencies - Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset
- Strong executive communication and stakeholder management capabilities
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth, and highly complex environment
- High attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and accountability
Preferred Qualifications - Experience in hyperscale data center programs or mission-critical infrastructure
- Background spanning both construction and manufacturing/supply chain environments
- Experience in program-level reporting and governance frameworks
- Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, EVP, CCP, or similar)
How we support you We believe your best work happens when you feel supported - professionally, personally, and financially. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive, stay healthy, and plan for the future.
- Performance-driven rewards • Competitive pay with incentive opportunities that recognize your results and contributions.
- Comprehensive healthcare • Medical, dental, and vision coverage that supports you and your family's total well-being.
- Security and peace of mind • Life and disability insurance programs that provide protection when it matters most.
- Flexible benefits options • A variety of voluntary benefits so you can personalize coverage to fit your needs.
- Time to recharge • Generous paid time off to relax, travel, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Investing in your growth • Education assistance and tuition support to help you build skills and advance your career.
- Planning for the future • Retirement and savings programs that help you achieve long-term financial confidence.
