Cost Manager

SLS Consultants is one of the fastest growing real estate development and construction consulting firms in the industry today. We are embedded in the ever-expanding Data Center market, as well as Advanced Manufacturing, Life Science, and Healthcare asset classes. As we enter the next phase of our growth journey, we are hyper focused on providing career opportunities for our employees, maintaining our quality and culture, and consistently delivering excellence for our clients. Join SLS to fast-track your career, maximize your industry impact, and partner with iconic brands to build the digital infrastructure of tomorrow!

We are currently seeking a Cost Manager to support one of the world's leading hyperscale data center developers in the Kansas City market.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing project controls and commercial management team supporting the delivery of large-scale mission-critical facilities. The ideal candidate will bring strong cost management, estimating, and commercial experience within data centers, advanced technology facilities, mission-critical environments, or large-scale industrial construction projects.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of cost management from project inception through final closeout.

• Prepare, review, and validate project budgets, cost plans, forecasts, and cash flow analyses.

• Evaluate contractor estimates, bids, change orders, and pay applications.

• Track project expenditures and provide accurate cost reporting to internal and client stakeholders.

• Identify cost risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.

• Develop and maintain cost control procedures and reporting standards.

• Partner with project management, scheduling, procurement, and construction teams to ensure alignment of budget and schedule objectives.

• Perform quantity takeoffs, benchmarking, and value engineering analysis where appropriate.

• Support contract administration and commercial management activities.

• Prepare executive-level reporting packages and presentations for client leadership.

• Monitor project performance and ensure adherence to approved budgets and financial targets.

• Assist in procurement strategy, bid analysis, vendor evaluations, and contract negotiations.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, project controls, estimating, or commercial management.

• Experience supporting data center, mission-critical, advanced manufacturing, industrial, or large commercial construction projects strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of construction estimating, forecasting, budgeting, and cost control methodologies.

• Experience reviewing change orders, contractor pricing, and project financial reporting.

• Proficient with Excel and industry-standard cost management platforms.

• Excellent communication and client-facing skills with the ability to present financial information to executive stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Data Center or Mission Critical project experience.

• Experience working within an Owner's Representative, Consulting, Program Management, or General Contractor environment.

• Professional certifications such as CCP, CEP, MRICS, PQS, or equivalent are a plus.

• Familiarity with industry platforms including Procore, Power BI, Primavera P6, or similar project controls software.

What SLS Offers You

• Highly competitive compensation package.

• Performance-based bonus opportunities.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.

• 401(k) with immediate company match.

• Generous PTO and paid holidays.

• Ongoing professional development and industry training.

• Career advancement opportunities with one of the fastest-growing consulting firms supporting mission-critical construction.

• Direct exposure to some of the largest and most complex data center developments in North America.

Location

Kansas City, MO

Hybrid flexibility available based on project and client requirements. Periodic site visits and travel may be required.

SLS Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.