Job description
JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.
Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.
What this job involves:
As VP, Cost Manager specializing in data centers, you will lead cost management and financial oversight for mission-critical infrastructure projects requiring specialized expertise in complex MEP systems, power distribution, and cooling technologies. You will provide strategic cost planning, detailed estimating, and value engineering throughout all phases of data center development—from feasibility and design through construction and commissioning. Your deep knowledge of data center construction costs, equipment pricing, and market dynamics will be essential to delivering accurate financial guidance for clients investing hundreds of millions in critical infrastructure. Working as a trusted advisor to clients and project teams, you will ensure cost certainty and financial performance across large-scale data center programs while maintaining the exacting standards required for 24/7 operational environments.
What your day-to-day will look like:
Strategic Cost Planning & Estimating
Developing comprehensive cost estimates for data center projects from conceptual design through detailed construction documentation
Preparing feasibility studies, cost models, and budget scenarios for hyperscale facilities, colocation environments, and enterprise data centers
Analyzing costs for mission-critical infrastructure including electrical distribution systems (medium voltage switchgear, transformers, UPS, generators, PDUs), mechanical cooling systems (chillers, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, economizers), and supporting infrastructure
Creating detailed cost breakdowns by system and trade, accounting for data center-specific requirements and long-lead equipment procurement schedules
Benchmarking costs against industry standards, regional market conditions, and historical data center project performance
Value Engineering & Cost Optimization
Leading value engineering workshops to identify cost savings opportunities while maintaining Uptime Institute tier requirements and operational resilience
Evaluating alternative design solutions, equipment selections, and construction methodologies to optimize total cost of ownership
Analyzing trade-offs between capital costs, energy efficiency, operational expenditures, and lifecycle performance
Reviewing specifications and technical requirements to identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising critical system redundancy
Providing cost/benefit analysis for emerging technologies including liquid cooling, modular construction, and sustainable energy solutions
Project Cost Control & Financial Management
Establishing cost management frameworks, tracking systems, and reporting protocols for complex data center programs
Monitoring project budgets throughout construction, analyzing cost trends, and providing early warning of potential overruns
Reviewing contractor estimates, change orders, and payment applications for accuracy and alignment with contract terms
Conducting detailed cost reconciliations and variance analyses, explaining deviations from baseline budgets
Managing contingency allocation and drawdown, ensuring appropriate reserves for risk mitigation
Coordinating with procurement teams on equipment pricing, delivery schedules, and vendor contract negotiations
Market Intelligence & Client Advisory
Maintaining current knowledge of data center construction market conditions, equipment pricing trends, and supply chain dynamics
Tracking costs for critical components including generators, switchgear, chillers, transformers, and IT infrastructure equipment
Advising clients on procurement strategies, phasing approaches, and schedule optimization to manage cost escalation
Providing market insights on labor availability, material pricing volatility, and regional cost variations
Developing cost planning guidance for multi-year campus development programs with phased capacity expansion
Stakeholder Collaboration & Reporting
Serving as primary cost advisor to clients, project teams, design consultants, and construction managers
Presenting cost reports, forecasts, and recommendations to client leadership and executive stakeholders
Collaborating with design teams to provide real-time cost feedback during design development and optimization
Partnering with PMO and project delivery teams to align cost management with schedule, quality, and technical requirements
Preparing detailed cost documentation for investment committees, board approvals, and financial reporting
Team Leadership & Professional Development
Leading and mentoring a team of cost managers, estimators, and analysts focused on data center projects
Developing standardized cost management processes, estimating tools, and data center cost databases
Building technical capability within the team on specialized data center systems and construction methodologies
Supporting business development through cost planning expertise, client relationship management, and proposal development
Driving continuous improvement in cost management accuracy, efficiency, and client service delivery
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, quantity surveying, architecture, or related field
12+ years of cost management/estimating experience with substantial focus on data center or mission-critical facilities
Expert knowledge of data center construction costs including electrical systems (utility interconnections, medium voltage distribution, backup power, UPS systems), mechanical cooling systems (chilled water plants, air-side economizers, in-row cooling), fire suppression, and building envelope requirements
Proven experience managing costs for large-scale projects ($100M+ capital value) with complex MEP systems
Deep understanding of data center design standards (Uptime Institute Tier classifications, TIA-942, ASHRAE TC 9.9) and their cost implications
Demonstrated expertise in cost estimating software and tools (CostX, Bluebeam, RSMeans, or similar)
Strong financial acumen including budget development, cost forecasting, cash flow analysis, and financial reporting
Experience with design-build, construction management, and lump-sum delivery methods in data center environments
Exceptional analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex cost data and present actionable insights
Outstanding client relationship management and executive-level communication capabilities
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in construction management, engineering, or business administration
Professional certifications: RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), CCE (Certified Cost Engineer/Estimator), PMP, or similar
Data center-specific certifications (CDCP, CDCS) demonstrating technical knowledge of critical facilities
Experience with hyperscale cloud providers, colocation operators, or large enterprise data center portfolios
Knowledge of modular/prefabricated data center construction and associated cost implications
Familiarity with energy modeling, PUE optimization, and sustainability cost considerations (LEED for data centers, renewable energy integration)
Proficiency in advanced estimating platforms, BIM quantity takeoff tools, and data analytics software
Experience with international data center projects and multi-currency cost management
Track record of thought leadership through industry publications, conference presentations, or market research
Demonstrated success in business development and growing client accounts through cost management excellence
This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Expected compensation for this position:
138,840.00 – 201,480.00 USD per year
Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.
Location:
Remote –Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, Dallas, GA, Houston, TX, Shreveport, LA, Washington, DC
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!
Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:
JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits include:
401(k) plan with matching company contributions
Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay
At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.
JLL Privacy Notice
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.
For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement.
For additional details please see our career site pages for each country.
For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.
Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at . This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.
Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.
Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.
Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
California Residents only
If you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information. If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device.
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.
Originally posted on Himalayas
Who can apply
Eligible countries: United States. Accepted UTC offsets: UTC-10, UTC-9, UTC-8, UTC-7, UTC-6, UTC-5, UTC+14. Review the full description for employer-specific work authorization, residency and schedule requirements.