Role · Project Controls
Cost Controls Manager Staffing for Data Centre Programs
What a Cost Controls Manager does
A Cost Controls Manager sets cost reporting standards, forecasting methodology and change control governance across a Data Centre portfolio, and leads the Cost Engineers who maintain individual project cost reports. They own the consolidated portfolio cost position that ownership reviews for funding and investment decisions.
The role includes auditing project-level forecasts for realism, standardizing WBS structures and coding across projects so cost data rolls up cleanly, and escalating cost risk — particularly equipment and material escalation — before it becomes a funding gap. Cost Controls Managers also work closely with scheduling leadership since cost and schedule risk are rarely independent on these programs.
This is a senior governance role: the manager is measured on the accuracy and defensibility of the portfolio's cost forecast, not on any single project's number.
Typical range
£85–110K base (permanent)
Core responsibilities
- Set cost reporting standards and forecasting methodology portfolio-wide
- Lead and develop Cost Engineers across multiple projects
- Consolidate and present the portfolio cost position to ownership
- Standardize WBS structures and change control governance
- Escalate cost and escalation risk ahead of funding decisions
Why hire through Cx Recruit
We verify Cost Controls Manager candidates against genuine portfolio-level accountability, distinguishing them from senior Cost Engineers with an inflated title.
Our reach across the UK and Irish Data Centre markets and the wider United States means we can benchmark cost governance structures against comparable programs.
Live Project Controls roles
View all jobs →Senior Scheduler
London, UK · £600 to £750/day
Senior Scheduler to own the P6 master schedule on a hyperscale Data Centre campus in West London.
Cost Engineer
Slough, UK · £550 to £675/day
Cost Engineer to maintain cost reporting and forecasting on a colocation Data Centre build on the Slough Trading Estate.
Project Controls Manager
Manchester, UK · £85k to £105k p.a.
Project Controls Manager to lead scheduling and cost control across a Data Centre programme in the North West.
FAQs
How is this different from a Cost Engineer role?
The Cost Engineer maintains a single project's cost report. The Cost Controls Manager sets governance and forecasting standards across a whole portfolio and leads the cost engineering team delivering it.
Is this typically a permanent hire?
Yes, almost always, given the standardisation and governance responsibilities and the long-term relationship with ownership's finance function.
Get moving
Cost Controls Manager enquiry
Talk to the Project Controls desk
Briefing a Cost Controls Manager vacancy, or looking for your next one? Call 07961 717097 or use the form above.