Director - Procurement Cost Management

Fleet Data Centers designs, builds and operates mega-scale data center campuses.  Fleet provides its customers with flexibility and predictability to meet their upside demand forecasts, addressing a key need in the market as traditional leased models are struggling to keep pace with the demand for new Cloud and AI infrastructure.  Fleet is led by a team of industry veterans that have already made a lasting imprint on the evolution of global digital infrastructure and are committed and uniquely capable of upleveling data center development scales and operations in the face of rising demand. Fleet is well positioned to bring in-house design, engineering and operational capabilities to collaborate with customers on tailored solutions for campuses of 500MW+.  This unique model enables Fleet to provide the world’s largest and most sophisticated customers with a seamless extension of their own data center fleets with constant access to design innovation. Fleet headquarters is in Denver, Colorado, with satellite offices in Seattle, WA and Arlington, VA. 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced procurement professional overseeing all aspects of data center construction projects including cost planning and control, progress measurement, risk mitigation and schedule development. 

The successful candidate will work in collaboration with the Director of Contracts Management on all Request-For-Information / Quotation / Proposal (collectively “RFx”) process(s), in addition to participating in preparing, reviewing, negotiating, and executing contracts with various parties, such as, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants.  They will bring deep knowledge of construction economics, commercial negotiations, and cost control within mission-critical or technically complex environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial Management:

• Work in partnership with the Director/Senior Contracts Manager on:
• Request-for-Information / Quotations / Proposals (collectively RFx) processes including award and management of contracts, negotiations, and financial planning.
• Ensuring that contracts are drafted accurately, incorporating the agreed-upon terms and conditions, milestones, and deliverables.
• Facilitating effective communication on project status(s), monitoring project finances, tracking payments, and managing any variations or claims that may arise during the construction process.
• Cost control, risk mitigation, and the overall status of the data center build program(s). 

Quantities Surveying:

Work closely with design/construction/project management teams to determine the exact quantities for our large, data center construction programs, assessing labor requirements and the specialized skills needed for installing and maintaining complex data center infrastructure.

Provide accurate cost and quantity information enabling our construction and engineering teams to make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle, including adherence to project schedules/budgets. 

Contracts Management and Cost Control:

• Reviewing/driving design/general contractors in the development of cost estimates.  
• Provide estimate and cost planning to include producing and presenting the final cost plan.
• Communicate or meet with general contractor(s) and the owner to gather status information to prepare a cost estimate update.
• Financial management including using tools provided to keep track of the ongoing margin levels and monthly fee/resource forecasts.
• Reconcile changes that occur over the planning phase and assist the general contractor to ensure that their data is accurate.
• Manage cost checks and conduct valuations on larger projects.
• Complete timely, accurate cost checking and valuation processes. 
• Participate effectively with post contract cost variances and the change control processes. 
• Manage Cost impact / contingency management and commitment tracking logs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, cost management, construction management, or engineering.
• 10+ years as a subject matter expert in Quantity Surveying and experience in the construction industry with a good understanding of the role of a commercial manager/cost manager. 
• 5+ years of strategic sourcing/procurement experience of which 3+ experience is working for a hyperscaler and/or data center developer/operator. 
• Experience working in fast-paced, large-scale infrastructure or data center projects.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Strong knowledge of supply chain management tools, data analytics, and BI tools
• Knowledge of sustainability and social responsibility in supply chain

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advance degree in Advanced degree in quantity surveying, cost management, construction management, or engineering.
• Experience with typical construction/services contracting approaches and fee structures (e.g., Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), Not-to-Exceed, Cost Plus Fee, Time & Materials, Hourly Rate, Not to Exceed, Design-Build (DB) or Design-Build-Assist (DBA), etc.
• Proficiency in contract lifecycle management (CLM) software.
• Proven track record in implementing process improvement initiatives and driving operational excellence

Required Traits and Skills: 

• Integrity and Ethical Standards: Build trust, ensure fairness, and foster long-term, transparent relationships with suppliers. 
• Effective Communication: The ability to clearly convey expectations and requirements to suppliers and negotiation parties, while understanding their needs and concerns. Comfortable delivering written and verbal presentations to internal leadership teams. 
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Ability to understand the emotions, cultural nuances, and motivations of others, while effectively managing one's own emotions during high-pressure negotiations. 
• Strategic Thinking: Recognize how supplier relationships and negotiations align with the broader organizational goals, while aiming for outcomes that benefit both parties. 
• Critical Thinking Skills: Finding innovative solutions and being flexible in addressing unexpected challenges. 
• Analytical Ability: Make data-driven decisions, assess cost structures, and identify potential risks, ensuring informed and strategic outcomes.  
• Influence and Persuasion: Able to effectively advocate for their position, build consensus, and secure favorable agreements without compromising relationships. 
• Operational Paranoia: Anticipate risks, identify vulnerabilities, and proactively implement mechanisms to prevent and minimize disruptions and safeguard safety, security, availability, and scale.  
• Relationship Management: Cultivate trust, collaboration, and long-term partnerships, while building a broad network that provides valuable benchmarking, industry insights, and alternative sourcing options.  

Location and Travel:

• Work location is flexible to Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, or Alexandria, VA.
• Regular travel, as needed, to Fleet offices as well as to meet with Vendors.

Expected Salary Range: $180,000 - $225,000 + Bonus

Fleet Data Centers Employment 

Fleet Data Center employees enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401K program, standard paid holidays, and unlimited PTO. 

 NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the organization's ongoing needs. Fleet Data Centers is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance applying for any of our open positions, please contact us at [email protected]. 

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Only candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship will be considered.