At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management for impactful health and life science projects across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join Arcadis, a pioneer in sustainable solutions and innovative infrastructure.
- Benefits: Empowering culture, career growth, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare while advancing your cost management career.
- Qualifications: MRICS Quantity Surveyor or equivalent; experience in large-scale construction projects preferred.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
We’re growing our Health, Life Science & Research Cost Management team and are seeking a talented Senior Cost Manager to join us in Edinburgh. This is your opportunity to make a real impact—delivering high-profile projects that range from complex international programmes to innovative national commissions for leading clients.
Your expertise in cost management, strategic planning, estimating, and budgeting will be key as you develop detailed cost plans, undertake feasibility assessments, benchmark costs, and provide robust procurement support. You’ll evaluate contractor proposals, oversee contract management, and ensure all variations are managed efficiently through construction to successful project handover.
This position offers the chance to provide advanced commercial and quantity surveying guidance across the UK and Europe, with a current focus on London, Oxford, and Cambridge, and opportunities across our wider network. From early‑stage design (RIBA Stage 1) through to project delivery, you’ll collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, mentor junior colleagues, and help ensure timely, on‑budget completions.
Role Accountabilities- Lead quantity surveying and commercial cost management services for clients in health, life science, research, and related sectors.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates, feasibility analyses, and benchmark studies; develop and manage comprehensive cost plans.
- Contribute to procurement activities, evaluate tenders, negotiate contractor proposals, and manage contract changes and variations.
- Oversee cost control throughout construction and project handover; advise on value engineering and whole‑life costing solutions.
- Foster close collaboration amongst design, engineering, and project delivery teams; support and mentor junior staff.
- MRICS Quantity Surveyor or equivalent professional qualification; we also welcome applicants with substantial commercial experience from diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrated experience managing medium to large‑scale construction projects; sector experience in research, life sciences, or healthcare is an advantage.
- Strong cost estimating abilities and familiarity with industry rates, benchmarking, and cost databases.
- Proven track record of managing projects from initial concept to completion, with a focus on building strong client relationships.
- Proficient in digital cost management systems (such as CostX and 5D BIM); willingness to adopt new technologies is highly valued.
Ready to take the next step in your cost management career? Join us and help shape the future of science and healthcare infrastructure.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We believe that by working together diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we improve quality of life and we work closely with our people across six ED&I Workstreams: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success.
Senior Cost Manager-Edinburgh employer: ARCADIS Group
Arcadis is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a dynamic work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Senior Cost Manager in Edinburgh, you will engage in impactful projects within the health and life sciences sectors, while benefiting from a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion that fosters a supportive environment for all. With opportunities for mentorship and professional advancement, Arcadis empowers you to shape your career and contribute to sustainable solutions that make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Manager-Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to show off your knowledge about their work in health and life sciences. Tailor your answers to highlight how your skills can make a real impact on their projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence. We suggest focusing on common questions related to cost management and project delivery to really nail those responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe it’s a great way to keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Manager-Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Cost Manager role. Highlight your experience in cost management, strategic planning, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background in health, life sciences, or research makes you a perfect fit. Keep it engaging and personal—let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage costs effectively. Use numbers and examples to illustrate your impact on previous projects. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARCADIS Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Cost Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost management. Brush up on your knowledge of industry rates, benchmarking, and cost databases. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed detailed cost plans or managed budgets in previous projects.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare to talk about your experience managing medium to large-scale construction projects, especially in the health, life sciences, or research sectors. Highlight your role in overseeing cost control and contract management, and be ready to share success stories that illustrate your ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role requires close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with design, engineering, and project delivery teams. Emphasise your communication skills and how you’ve mentored junior colleagues, as this will show your leadership potential.
✨Embrace Technology
Familiarity with digital cost management systems like CostX and 5D BIM is crucial. If you have experience with these tools, make sure to mention it. If not, express your willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, as this shows your commitment to staying current in the field.
