Our talented teams design, build and operate of the world's best Data Centres.
About VIRTUS
VIRTUS Data Centres is the UK’s fastest growing data centre provider which owns, designs, builds and operates the country’s most efficient and flexible data centres.
In May 2023 we announced our plans to expand into continental Europe, with our first data centre due to open in Berlin in 2026, to be quickly followed by two full campuses and expansion into other countries in the pipeline.
Our purpose is to serve humanity by being an active, positive participant in the 4th industrial revolution. When we talk about our purpose, we refer to our customers’ customers; the child playing a computer game, the person watching their favourite movie, booking a medical appointment, a plane ticket, a hotel or doing their online banking; those things can’t be done if we don’t do our job.
Our mission is to consistently exceed the expectations of customers through innovative, high-quality solutions and services. We employ intelligent thinkers – people with positive attitudes, who add to the quality of our customer proposition and business.
We value individual endeavour and initiative and encourage teamwork and togetherness because collective experience and expertise is VIRTUS’ greatest strength.
Job Summary
VIRTUS is searching for an experienced candidate for the position of cost estimation and benchmarking. The scope will cover UK as well as the entire EMEA region and focus predominantly on new design & build (D&B) data center projects, but will also include major in-life projects, e.g. replacements, extensions.
The Cost Estimator is responsible for analysing project specifications, preparing detailed cost estimates, and evaluating cost factors across EMEA to ensure project feasibility and to support building up a business case. At the same time the candidate will build up a cost reference database for benchmarking projects.
The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with project managers, designers and stakeholders.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Review project plans and specifications to determine the scope of work.
* Gather data on main cost elements, e.g. design, prelims, construction costs, long lead equipment LLE, and other expenditures.
* Prepare detailed cost estimates and budgets for projects at early state of the projects to be further detailed as project matures
* Collaborate with project managers to assess risks and potential financial impacts.
* Analyse historical data to improve accuracy of future estimates.
* Provide recommendations for cost-saving measures and efficiency improvements on the basis of reference data.
* Prepare and present estimate cost reports to stakeholders and management.
* Stay updated on industry trends and regulations that may affect project costs.
* Run benchmarks of projects against reference data.
* Simulate/ extrapolate potential costs for projects in new countries against local market references.
* Build up reference data base for benchmarks, perform research on market prices
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in construction management, finance, engineering, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in cost estimating or a similar role, with a proven track record of successful project estimations.
* Good knowledge and competence in the concepts, principles, and standard practices in costing and pricing
* Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and regulations.
* Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
* Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects.
* Proficient in cost estimating software and tools.
* Familiarity with computer software in the area of cost analysis
* Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, e.g. to work with project managers and designers to define scope and constructability issues and track costs from concept through final design and support with field changes
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities.
* Knowledge of MS Office package is essential (Word, Excel, Access)
* Ability to work with finance related IT system e.g., SAP or ERP is an advantage.
* Possess a professional qualification in engineering discipline
* Basic accounting skills useful for the job are an advantage.
VIRTUS is an equal-opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.
We reserve the right to close this post for applications should sufficient applications be received.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
VIRTUS Data Centres does not accept unsolicited support from search firms for employment openings. CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any VIRTUS employee without an active, written search agreement for a specified role will become the property of VIRTUS. No fees will be paid for candidates hired from agency submissions made without such an agreement. Existing agency partnerships must adhere to position-specific terms outlined in their agreements. Please refrain from calling or emailing regarding this matter.