At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations in AI-focused data centres and ensure cost control excellence.
- Company: Join Kao Data, a pioneer in AI and advanced computing data centres.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical cover, 25 days holiday, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the cutting-edge world of AI data centres.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in FM or Data Centre industry and financial controls.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Kao Data as an Operational Costs & Controls Manager – Drive Excellence in AI‑Focused Data Centres! Kao Data leads the industry, pioneering the development and operation of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing. With a hyperscale‑inspired and industrial‑scale platform, we provide our customers with a secure, scalable, and sustainable home for their compute.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Cost Control & Reporting
- Act as the finance lead across all FM and operational cost activity.
- Attend weekly finance meetings with the FM provider, Contract Manager and Finance Director.
- Participate in monthly billing meetings with the FM provider and key suppliers.
- Liaise with clients to resolve outstanding issues.
- Assist in preparing accurate cost forecasts and variance analysis.
- Prepare monthly financial reports and support month‑end close processes.
- Purchase Orders & Invoice Control
- Create accurate Purchase Orders in a timely manner, ensuring correct cost categorisation (capex vs opex), appropriate project allocation and correct budget holder identification.
- Review and process supplier invoices, ensuring payments are made only for satisfactorily delivered goods and services.
- Work within a robust internal controls framework (PO approval workflows, AP processes).
- Recharge & Billing Management
- Identify which costs are rechargeable to customers.
- Match costs to customer POs.
- Raise sales orders and invoices within company deadlines.
- Ensure billing is completed at the correct margin and in line with contract terms.
- CAFM & Operational Systems
- Act as key user for the CAFM system on site.
- Assist in maintaining PPM records, reactive tracking and reporting.
- Ensure operational data aligns with financial records.
- Stakeholder Management
- Liaise closely with suppliers, operational teams and head office.
- Support accurate processing of quotations, purchase orders and invoices.
- Confidently present financial information to senior management.
- Translate technical operational matters into clear financial impact.
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong experience within the FM or Data Centre industry.
- Strong understanding of operational services.
- Experience with PO processes, invoice approval workflows and financial controls.
- Strong Excel and financial systems skills.
- Experience supporting month‑end reporting.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work with senior stakeholders.
- Accounting qualification (part‑qualified) is essential.
- Experience working within a structured internal controls framework.
Benefits
- Private Medical – private health insurance including dental and optical cover.
- Holiday – 25 days annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays.
- Pension – Salary Sacrifice Pension.
- Parental Leave – Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave.
- Life Assurance & Income Protection.
- Mental health support – 24/7 access to mental health support via our employee assistance programme, and a trained team of Mental Health First Aiders.
- Giving back – 2 Charity volunteering days a year.
- Electric Vehicle – Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Optical Benefit – Access to Unum’s Help@Hand.
Operational Costs & Controls Manager employer: KD Servco Limited
Kao Data is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions innovation in AI-focused data centres. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and mental health support, all while fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. Join us in a role that not only drives operational excellence but also contributes to a sustainable future in technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Costs & Controls Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the data centre and FM industry on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, engage in discussions, and don’t be shy to ask for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Kao Data thoroughly – know their values, recent projects, and how they operate. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in operational cost control and financial management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your past work, especially anything related to financial reporting or cost management. Use real numbers to demonstrate your impact – it’s all about showing how you can drive excellence in their operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Kao Data team. Let’s get you that Operational Costs & Controls Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Costs & Controls Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in operational cost control and financial reporting, as these are key for the Operational Costs & Controls Manager role. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working in AI-focused data centres and how your background fits with our mission at Kao Data. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience within the FM or Data Centre industry. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your understanding of operational services and financial controls. We want to know how you’ve made an impact in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Kao Data!
How to prepare for a job interview at KD Servco Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Operational Costs & Controls Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with financial data. Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis in previous roles. Being able to present this information clearly will impress the interviewers.
✨Understand the Industry
Familiarise yourself with the FM and Data Centre industry, especially in relation to AI-focused operations. Research Kao Data's approach and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Showing that you understand their business model will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
You'll be liaising with various stakeholders, so think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial teams. Prepare to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your ability to translate technical matters into clear financial impacts.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Kao Data's operational strategies, their internal controls framework, or how they measure success in cost management. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
