Cost Manager - (Owner's Representative) - Data Center Construction

KALCON

$135K — $185K *
Real Estate & Construction
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of cost management experience in construction, ideally focused on data centers.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
  • Proficient in cost management software (like Procore) and Microsoft Office; strong communication skills.
  • Ability to analyze construction documents and exhibit high attention to detail.
  • Experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cost analysis, and risk assessment.
  • Strong leadership and collaborative problem-solving skills; knowledge of industry standards.
  • Willingness to visit job sites and work closely with teams.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with stakeholders to assemble project proformas and monitor budget updates.
  • Manage and reconcile pay applications to ensure timely submission and payments.
  • Prepare Earned at Completion (EAC) reports and maintain financial models to enhance predictability.
  • Facilitate change order processes and manage cost-related risk assessments.
  • Coordinate procurement efforts to ensure vendor negotiations and purchasing efficiency.
  • Generate and support various reports while improving software usage across teams.
  • Mentor team members on cost control practices and foster standardized workflows.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance available.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match from KALCON for qualifying contributions.
  • 15 days of paid time off and 8 paid National Holidays per year.
  • Reimbursement for professional licenses and certifications.
Full Job Description
KALCON is looking for a Cost Manager who will be responsible for managing project budgets, pay applications, EAC/forecasting, and change management across data center construction projects. This role collaborates closely with the Director of Construction, Construction Managers, procurement, cost consultants, and the GC to ensure financial accuracy, process efficiency, and timely reporting-all while sustaining strong controls in Procore and related cost management tools.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of experience in cost management for construction projects, preferably in data centers or critical facilities.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
  • Skilled in cost management software (e.g., Procore), Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and project management tools; strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts; demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Proven capabilities in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cost analysis, risk assessment, and value engineering.
  • Effective leadership and team collaboration, including conflict resolution and problem solving; familiarity with codes, industry standards, and best practices.
  • Ability to visit job sites (including navigating stairs/elevated structures) and work closely with PMs, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders.


Duties and Responsibilities:

Proforma / Pre-Construction
  • Work with the Director of Construction, Construction Manager, the business team, and subcontractors to assemble the project proforma.
  • Review GC pre-construction budget updates and GMP pricing.
  • Facilitate cost touchpoints and communication with cost consultants and CM cost managers.
  • Oversee allowance and buyout tracking and develop cost control strategies that align with project financial goals.

Pay Applications
  • Receive the GC's pencil pay application, reconcile issues, and clean up entries prior to submission.
  • Submit the final pay application package to the Construction Manager for approvals.
  • Ensure accurate and timely invoicing and payment processing for subcontractors and vendors; support contract administration, tracking, and reporting.

EAC & Forecasting
  • Prepare EAC for review (update costs-to-date, commitments), incorporate CM feedback, and update EAC in Procore; take a monthly Procore snapshot.
  • Collaborate with Procurement to establish initial OFCI budgets and monthly updates.
  • Manage subcontractor spend, financial validations, and forecast projected expenditures; monitor/report financial performance and variances.
  • Support the development and maintenance of financial models and forecasting tools to improve predictability.

Change Management & Risk
  • Review and process change orders with Construction Managers as needed.
  • Oversee change management workflows, including tracking allowances and buyouts; validate impacts and approvals.
  • Manage cost-related risk assessment and mitigation strategies and conduct regular financial audits for compliance with company policies and procedures.

Procurement & Vendor Management
  • Coordinate with procurement teams to manage cost-effective purchasing and vendor negotiations.
  • Oversee budget reconciliation, vendor budget reallocations, and project budget corrections in collaboration with stakeholders.

Reporting, Meetings & Other Work
  • Complete monthly and ad-hoc reports (e.g., Census department), support tax projects, and process miscellaneous bills (utilities, permits).
  • Support broader team routines (e.g., West Development call) and drive process efficiency and software proficiency across the team.
  • Provide financial analysis and recommendations that support decision-making and continuous improvement.

Training & Team Support
  • Train and mentor team members on cost control best practices and software tools; promote standardized workflows and high data quality.

Benefits Offered:
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 4% KALCON match when an employee contributes at least 5%
  • 15 days of paid time off
  • 8 paid National Holidays
  • Reimbursement for professional licenses and certifications


Submission Requirements:

At a minimum, the candidate's professional resume must include the following:
  • List of all Educational Achievements
  • List of all Professional Licenses or Certificates
  • List of Awards Received
  • Detailed Employment History with each company or government agency including:
    • Name & Contact Information of the firm or agency
    • Start Date and End Date (Month & Year)
    • Positions Held


Salary Range

$135,000-$185,000 USD

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