Cost Manager

The Role

We are recruiting for an experienced Cost Manager to support the delivery of complex construction and operational projects within a major public sector programme. Working closely with Programme Managers, Project Managers, Procurement teams, Risk Managers and contractors, you will be responsible for cost estimation, budget management, forecasting and commercial support to ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets and financial controls.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused professional with a background in construction, infrastructure or capital projects to play a key role in delivering high-profile programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project cost estimation activities across construction and operational projects.
• Prepare and manage cost plans, Bills of Quantities (BoQ) and project estimates.
• Support Programme and Project Managers with budgeting, cost forecasting and financial planning.
• Monitor project costs, expenditure and budget performance, providing regular financial reports and variance analysis.
• Work with Risk Managers to ensure project risks are appropriately costed, including the application of optimism bias.
• Provide commercial advice on Compensation Events, Early Warning Notices and cost-related issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support procurement activities, including tender evaluations, contract reviews and commercial assessments.
• Review contractual changes and assess financial impacts.
• Identify cost risks and opportunities, developing mitigation and contingency plans where required.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, funding requirements and financial governance.
• Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders, contractors and external partners to support successful project delivery.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Cost Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Commercial Manager or similar.
• Strong background in construction, infrastructure, engineering or capital projects.
• Experience in cost estimation, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of Bills of Quantities (BoQ) and cost planning.
• Experience working with NEC contracts, including Compensation Events and Early Warning processes.
• Strong understanding of commercial risk management and cost control.
• Experience supporting procurement and contract management activities.
• Excellent analytical, financial and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.

Desirable

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction or a related discipline.
• Professional membership such as RICS or CIOB.
• Experience working within the public sector or on infrastructure programmes.