Cost Engineer

Job Title: Cost Engineer

Department: Estimating

Location: Reading, UK

Reports To: Estimating Manager

Company: [Confidential – Leading Manufacturer in the Built Environment Sector]

Role Purpose

The Cost Engineer is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of cost data across complex products and projects. This role plays a vital part in supporting the Estimating team, developing robust costing tools, driving process improvement, and providing insights that support strategic commercial decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Costing & Estimating Support (40%)

• Provide accurate cost calculations for complex products and projects at tender stage.
• Collaborate with Estimators and other departments to ensure comprehensive costing coverage.

Costing Tools & Process Improvement (10%)

• Develop and enhance costing tools to streamline or automate cost calculation processes.

Cost Auditing & Variance Analysis (15%)

• Conduct weekly cost audits and perform variance analysis to drive cost accuracy improvements.
• Identify trends, anomalies, and improvement opportunities.

Reporting & Decision Support (5%)

• Create and maintain cost reports to support commercial and strategic business decisions.

Model Development & Standard Costing (10%)

• Improve cost models using data insights.
• Own and maintain the standard costing process for products and services.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience in a similar cost engineering, estimating, or commercial finance role.
• Strong commercial awareness with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability in data analysis and cost modelling.
• Familiarity with risk assessment and complex bids.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage conflicting priorities.

Desirable

• Experience in process improvement initiatives.
• Background in construction, manufacturing, or engineered product environments.

Additional Responsibilities

• Comply with all environmental, health, and safety policies and practices.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to sustainability and waste reduction.
• Ensure compliance with internal systems, quality standards, and regulations.
• Participate in training, administrative tasks, and cross-functional projects as required.
• Undertake business travel when necessary.
• Act in alignment with the company’s core values.