Cost & Commercial Lead - Data Centres

About Accenture

Accenture partners with leading organizations worldwide to transform their digital infrastructure and harness the power of AI, delivering value rapidly across various industries. Our commitment is to be the preferred reinvention partner for clients, pioneering safe AI adoption and fostering an engaging work environment. With a global workforce of 786,000, proprietary assets, and extensive expertise across industries and technologies, we provide comprehensive solutions that generate tangible results. For fiscal year 25, we served approximately 9,000 clients and achieved around $70 billion in revenue.

Role Overview

This senior leadership role is charged with the comprehensive oversight of commercial functions throughout large-scale Data Centre programs, from the initial planning stages to project closure. Collaborating within integrated teams, you will enforce strong commercial governance, manage contracts, control costs, oversee change procedures, and handle risks in highly dynamic projects. Acting as a trusted consultant, you will offer strategic commercial insights to clients, ensuring that the program's goals are successfully met.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial aspects of major Data Centre initiatives.
• Advise clients and senior project stakeholders on strategic commercial matters throughout the project lifecycle.
• Implement and maintain effective commercial governance alongside reporting frameworks.
• Oversee all financial operations including cost management, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.
• Manage contract administration, change management, claims resolution, and prevent disputes.
• Drive initiatives focused on value engineering and cost optimization without compromising program objectives.
• Monitor project performance in relation to budgets and commercial KPIs.
• Identify, mitigate, and manage commercial risks effectively.
• Review procurement approaches and assist in negotiating contracts with suppliers and contractors.
• Collaborate with project management, planning, and technical teams to ensure cohesive program delivery.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and development to commercial and cost management personnel.
• Align commercial processes with client specifications and industry best practices.
• Encourage a culture grounded in excellence, responsibility, and ongoing improvement within teams.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive experience in commercial management, quantity surveying, or leadership roles in commercial functions.
• Deep knowledge of Data Centre operations, especially in hyperscale, co-location, or mission-critical environments.
• Background in Project Management Consultancy, construction consultancy, or client-side commercial management.
• Proven experience managing large capital projects worth over $500 million.
• Strong grasp of major contractual forms and commercial frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in leading commercial teams within complex construction projects.
• University degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Professional accreditation with RICS, CIOB, or similar bodies is strongly preferred.
• Experience working on projects within the Middle East is highly desirable.

Why Work With Us?

• Opportunity for clear and rapid career growth emphasizing your strengths with ongoing coaching from senior professionals.
• Engage with industry experts tackling significant challenges through innovative approaches and cutting-edge technology.
• Availability of flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package with competitive compensation.
• Access to advanced technology enabling skill development and contribution to emerging business trends.
• Chance to make a positive impact on local communities where we operate.