Cost Manager
Reporting to: Office Director
Overview of the Role
The Cost Manager will provide comprehensive cost management services throughout the project lifecycle, including cost estimating, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, change management, procurement, invoice validation, earned value, value engineering and project close-out.
The role will support senior members of the team while taking responsibility for delivering effective financial control, cost optimisation and commercial management across projects. The Cost Manager will work closely with clients, contractors, consultants and internal project teams to ensure projects remain aligned with their financial and commercial objectives from inception through to completion.
Key Responsibilities
As a Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor, your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing detailed cost estimates, budgets and cost plans across all stages of a project.
- Preparing and issuing periodic cost reports for review and submission to clients.
- Reviewing project cash flow and expenditure forecasts.
- Identifying and communicating cost risks and opportunities, with recommendations to improve project value.
- Supporting change management processes, including the evaluation, negotiation and approval of change orders.
- Managing and validating contractor and vendor invoices and applications for payment.
- Supporting procurement activities, including preparation of RFP documentation, bid evaluation and contract administration.
- Monitoring contractor buyout of subcontract packages and providing procurement updates to clients where required.
- Attending regular cost and commercial meetings to review procurement, change orders and overall project financial performance.
- Supporting value engineering initiatives to optimise project costs while maintaining quality, scope and programme requirements.
- Reviewing contractor and vendor close-out documentation to ensure contractual and commercial requirements are satisfied.
- Working collaboratively with clients, contractors, consultants and wider project teams to achieve successful project outcomes.
- Proactively identifying opportunities to add value throughout the project lifecycle.
- Supporting wider team objectives and undertaking additional responsibilities as required.
Candidate Requirements
The ideal candidate will have a positive and proactive approach, strong commercial awareness and a commitment to delivering high-quality client service.
Requirements include:
- A four-year degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related field is preferred, although relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Approximately four years’ relevant experience or equivalent industry experience.
- Strong understanding of cost management principles, construction methods and contract administration.
- Experience managing multiple projects and delivering against deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with sound commercial decision-making skills.
- Previous people management or team leadership experience.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other relevant cost management tools.
Working Environment
- Primarily office-based, with site attendance required when necessary.
- Regular interaction with clients, contractors, consultants and project teams.
- Use of standard office equipment, computers and telephone systems.
- Ability to work effectively across multiple projects and manage competing priorities.