Cost Manager | Relocation from UK and Australia 

Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Salary: $100,000-$130,000 Plus Bonus

We are representing a rapidly expanding Cost Consultancy headquartered in New York, with a growing presence across the Midwest, including Madison, Wisconsin. The firm has seen strong, sustained growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for its expertise in the data center and mission-critical sector. A recent strategic partnership with a leading global consultancy has further strengthened its technical capability and long-term project pipeline.

The business delivers independent cost management and project delivery services to Fortune 500 and hyperscale clients, with a primary focus on data centers, critical infrastructure, and technology-driven developments. The culture is collaborative, direct, and fast-paced; very much aligned with their tech client base, and offers clear progression, hands-on responsibility, and exposure to complex projects early in your career.

The Role - Cost Manager

Based in Madison, Wisconsin, this role offers the opportunity to work on large-scale data center developments, supporting high-value, technically complex projects from early cost planning through to final account. You’ll work closely with Senior Cost Managers, Project Managers, contractors, and clients, gaining deep exposure to the full project lifecycle within the data center environment.

This position is well suited to a Cost Manager looking to build or deepen experience in data centers, take on more ownership, and grow within a consultancy that’s actively investing in its Midwest team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of Order of Cost Estimates, Cost Plans, and Budgets for data center projects.
• Support the production of tender and contract documentation in line with internal procedures.
• Track and report on planned vs. actual costs, cash flow, and forecasted final costs.
• Support change management, including the review of variations and change orders.
• Attend and contribute to cost meetings with clients and contractors.
• Carry out monthly cost reporting and valuations, supporting final account preparation.
• Work collaboratively with Project Managers and construction teams during delivery.
• Maintain accurate cost data using internal cost management platforms and tools.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.
• 3–6 years’ experience in cost management, quantity surveying, or a related cost-focused role.
• Exposure to data center, mission-critical, industrial, or large-scale commercial projects preferred (but not essential).
• Solid understanding of pre- and post-contract cost management.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• U.S. citizenship, existing/transferable right to work in the U.S., or eligibility for an E-2 or E-3 visa.

Why This Role?

• Direct exposure to data center projects; one of the fastest-growing sectors in construction.
• A growing Madison-based team with long-term project visibility.
• Clear progression to Senior Cost Manager without needing to jump firms.
• A consultancy that actually develops people, not just billable hours.