Senior Cost Manager

Overview

Shape a faster, smarter, safer future. Become part of our Project & Programme Services team and help deliver some of the most ambitious infrastructure and energy projects in the UK and beyond. At AtkinsRéalis, we believe collaboration, innovation and technical excellence are key to creating lasting impact for our clients and the communities we serve. Our work spans major transport, energy, and utilities projects, including programmes such as High Speed 2, Heathrow Airport, and nationally significant infrastructure schemes.

As a Senior Cost Manager within our Cost Management (Project Controls) team, you will lead the delivery of cost management services across complex projects, combining deep technical expertise with commercial leadership. Acting as a trusted advisor, you will work closely with clients and project teams to drive successful outcomes.

Beyond project delivery, you will play an active role in developing our people, shaping our services, and supporting the continued growth of our Complex Infrastructure business.

Your Role

• Lead the delivery of cost management services across complex infrastructure and energy projects, taking accountability for cost performance, forecasting accuracy and commercial outcomes.
• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to clients, providing clear insight, challenge, and assurance to support informed decision making.
• Take ownership of client relationships, ensuring high standards of service delivery, quality assurance, and client satisfaction.
• Lead and manage project and portfolio teams, setting clear direction and assuring the quality and consistency of cost management outputs.
• Provide technical leadership across cost planning, cost control, change management, and forecasting in line with industry best practice.
• Assure the application of appropriate cost and work breakdown structures, measurement standards, and cost performance management techniques.
• Interface effectively with wider project controls disciplines, including planning and risk to provide integrated commercial insight.
• Monitor progress against agreed targets, identify risks and opportunities, and implement appropriate mitigation to achieve successful outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the Cost Management service strategy, supporting continuous improvement and innovation.
• Support business development activities, including key account management, bid support and the identification of growth opportunities.
• Lead and develop people through mentoring, coaching and line management, supporting capability building and succession planning.
• Act as an ambassador for AtkinsRéalis, promoting professional standards, technical excellence, and collaborative behaviours.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable depth of technical cost management expertise within complex infrastructure and energy environments.
• The confidence to operate as a trusted advisor, able to influence decisions, challenge constructively and communicate clearly with clients and stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in a consultancy environment, with an understanding of balancing client needs, commercial outcomes, and quality delivery.
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and integrate cost insight with wider project controls.
• Experience applying performance measurement techniques such as Earned Value Management (EVM) to provide meaningful insight into cost and schedule performance.
• Sound commercial awareness, including a working knowledge of standard forms of contract (NEC, FIDIC, JCT or similar).
• A proactive approach to problem solving, risk awareness and continuous improvement.
• The ability to lead, mentor and develop others, contributing positively to team culture and capability growth.
• Degree qualified in construction, commercial or finance related discipline, with professional membership (or working towards) such as RICS, ACostE, AACE or equivalent.

Rewards & Benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

About AtkinsRéalis

We\’re AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world\’s infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We\’re committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.