At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management for data centre projects across EMEA, shaping budgets from concept to construction.
- Company: Join a leading firm in mission-critical data centre construction with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in project delivery while optimising costs and driving efficiency.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in data centre construction and strong understanding of construction contracts required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
In this role you will lead cost management for data center projects across EMEA, shaping budgets and cost plans from concept to construction. You will work with delivery teams to ensure accurate estimates and value engineering, while collaborating with finance, suppliers, and stakeholders to keep costs aligned with business goals. The role blends technical estimating with contract oversight and strategic cost optimization in a high-stakes, mission-critical environment. You will contribute to sustainable, efficient project delivery and help drive competitive pricing and informed decision making.
Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for concept, design, and pre-construction phases
- Develop cost plans, budgets, and forecasts for all project stages
- Analyze drawings and documents to determine material, labour, and equipment costs
- Provide costing information for customer changes in collaboration with the GC
- Manage tender processes and evaluate contractor proposals
- Conduct cost comparisons and negotiate pricing with suppliers and contractors
- Ensure all scope/durations/assumptions are included in estimates and authorized
- Prepare funding requests with finance/investment teams
- Research new products/installation techniques and develop cost roadmaps
- Monitor expenditures and track cost performance against budgets
- Identify cost variances and recommend corrective actions
- Maintain cost databases and benchmarking information
- Review contracts and assess change orders, variations, and claims
- Ensure contractual/regulatory compliance
- Produce cost reports, cash-flow projections, and updates
- Present findings to stakeholders and senior management
- Identify cost risks and mitigation strategies
- Conduct value engineering to optimize cost efficiency
- Provide feedback on partners’ commercial performance
- Review lessons learned to keep estimating data accurate and competitive
- Understand competing priorities in a dynamic environment
- Develop and maintain relationships with contractors/partners
- Support continuous improvement of business processes
Key requirements
- 5+ years in mission critical data centre construction
- Strong understanding of construction contracts (FIDIC, NEC, JCT)
- Ability to manage multiple projects and travel 35–50%
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- High attention to detail and analytical mindset
- Knowledge of lump sum, cost plus, fee-based, T&M contracting strategies
- Experience in material take-off, cost estimating, labour rates, overhead, and profit
- Knowledge of AutoCad is a plus
- Knowledge of network and operating systems support is a plus
- Strong customer service and procedural documentation skills
- Experience in project management
Senior Manager, Cost Management EMEA employer: Ares Management
At Ares, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusivity and innovation. Our London office offers a dynamic environment where talented individuals can thrive, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the tech-driven finance sector. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values diverse perspectives and is committed to building cutting-edge systems that drive our investment processes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Cost Management EMEA
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Ares Management, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Manager, Cost Management EMEA at Ares Management.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Cost Management EMEA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ares Management
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
