Cost Manager

Role Overview

We are recruiting for a Cost Manager to support a high‑value redevelopment project on a secure defence infrastructure site in the South West of England. This role plays a key part in managing, controlling, and forecasting project costs, ensuring delivery within budget while meeting programme and quality requirements in a highly regulated environment.

Security Requirement:
Due to the nature of the project, candidates must be eligible to obtain BPSS clearance. Additional security vetting may be required.

• Contract:
  
  42.5 hours per week
• Location:
  
  South West England
• Site attendance:
  Minimum 3 days per week on site
• Salary: £50,000 - £75,000 (dependent on experience)

• Subsistence (subject to eligibility):
  • Approx. £56 per night
  • Nights in temporary accommodation: tax free
  • Nights at home: taxable
  • Permanent home address and temporary accommodation required
  • Approx. £1,680 per month before tax
• Company car / car allowance / travel allowance up to £7,000
• Company vehicle provided will be a high‑spec electric vehicle
• 8% employer‑matched pension contribution
• Private healthcare
• Life assurance
• 26 days annual leave
• 2 wellbeing days
• 1 volunteering day per year
• Personal and professional development support

• Prepare accurate cost estimates and establish realistic project budgets
• Analyse cost data, forecast expenditure, and produce financial reporting
• Administer payments, variations, compensation events, and claims
• Support procurement activities and negotiate best value within the supply chain
• Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and cost risks
• Review costs, invoices, and change orders to ensure accuracy
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders, contractors, and suppliers
• Integrate cost management within wider project controls and programme delivery
• Apply strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and regulations

• Strong knowledge of cost management and financial principles
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
• Sound understanding of NEC4 contracts
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• High level of attention to detail
• Strong communication and negotiation capability
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Advanced Excel skills (essential):
  • Macros / VBA
  • Pivot Tables and advanced data analysis
  • Lookup and logical functions (INDEX/MATCH, XLOOKUP, nested IFs)
  • Power Query and data modelling
  • Dashboard creation and reporting

• Must be BPSS clearable
• Right to work in the UK required
• Further clearance may be required depending on project scope