Role · Commercial
Cost Manager Staffing for Data Centre Projects
What a Cost Manager does
A Cost Manager works client side or in consultancy, owning the cost plan from feasibility through tender, construction and final account. On Data Centre schemes the benchmark that matters is cost per MW of IT load, not cost per square metre.
The role covers estimating and cost planning, tender documentation and analysis, valuation review, change control and monthly cost reporting to the owner.
Good Cost Managers keep the benchmark library current, understand plant and equipment pricing movements, and give the owner an early warning rather than a late explanation.
Typical range
£55–80K base (permanent) or £350–500 / day on contract
Core responsibilities
- Prepare and maintain cost plans and budget benchmarks per MW
- Run tender documentation, analysis and recommendation
- Review contractor valuations and assess change
- Produce monthly owner cost reports and cash flow forecasts
- Support value engineering and risk/contingency management
Why hire through Cx Recruit
We know which cost consultants have genuine Mission Critical benchmark data behind them and which are transferring from commercial or residential work.
Every shortlist is checked against named schemes, capacity delivered and the stage the candidate personally covered.
Live Commercial roles
View all jobs →Senior Quantity Surveyor
London, UK · £600 to £750/day
Senior Quantity Surveyor to own the MEP package commercials on a hyperscale Data Centre campus in West London.
Cost Manager
Slough, UK · £550 to £675/day
Cost Manager to own the cost plan and owner reporting on a colocation Data Centre build on the Slough Trading Estate.
Commercial Manager
Manchester, UK · £85k to £105k p.a.
Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function across a Data Centre programme in the North West.
FAQs
Is a Cost Manager the same as a Quantity Surveyor?
The skills overlap, but Cost Managers usually work client side or in consultancy with a stronger focus on cost planning, benchmarking and reporting to the owner, while contractor-side QSs focus on subcontract measurement, valuation and change.
Is MRICS expected?
More often than on contractor-side roles. Many consultancies and owners prefer MRICS or a clear route to it for client-facing cost roles.
What benchmarks do Data Centre cost plans use?
Cost per MW of IT capacity is the primary benchmark, supported by elemental breakdowns for electrical infrastructure, mechanical cooling, shell and fit-out.
Get moving
Cost Manager enquiry
Talk to the Commercial desk
Briefing a Cost Manager vacancy, or looking for your next one? Call 07961 717097 or use the form above.