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- Tasks: Lead cost control activities for complex defence programmes and ensure financial robustness.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in creating a safe and secure world.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while growing your expertise in project controls.
- Qualifications: Experience with cost management tools and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Stoke Gifford, Bristol + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Drive critical programmes that protect and power the future. At Babcock, we're working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Senior Cost Specialist at Bristol Technology Centre, near Bristol, Gloucestershire.
The role:
As a Senior Cost Specialist, you'll play a vital role in supporting the delivery of complex defence programmes that underpin national security. Working within our Mission Systems business, you'll lead cost control activities across the full project lifecycle helping ensure programmes remain financially robust and deliver real-world impact.
Day-to-day, you'll be required to:
- Leading the development and implementation of best practice cost control processes across the programme
- Delivering cost forecasts, variance analysis, and performance reporting to support informed decision‑making
- Collaborating with stakeholders to develop cost estimates and manage financial risks and changes
- Supporting Earned Value Management (EVM) activities and ensuring accurate cost performance tracking
- Coaching and mentoring project teams on cost control methodologies and tools
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with days onsite and days working from home.
Essential experience for the Senior Cost Specialist:
- Demonstrable experience using cost management tools such as Deltek Cobra
- Strong background applying project management and cost control techniques across full lifecycle projects
- Experience delivering cost forecasting, cost risk analysis, and earned value management
- Strong commercial awareness with understanding of contract and financial management principles
- Proven ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders and drive high performance
Qualifications for the Senior Cost Specialist:
- A recognised professional qualification such as APM Project Management Qualification or equivalent
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. Association for Project Management or ACostE) is desirable
Security Clearance:
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.
What we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee share scheme and shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading allows you to buy additional leave or sell up to one working week
- Be Kind Day to support volunteering
- Flexible working options to support work‑life balance
- A dynamic working environment with real career progression opportunities
Application closes 20/05/2026
Senior Cost Specialist in Bristol employer: Babcock International
Contact Detail:
Babcock International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Specialist in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Cost Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Babcock and understanding their projects. We recommend practising common interview questions related to cost control and project management. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you that Senior Cost Specialist position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Specialist in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Cost Specialist role. Highlight your experience with cost management tools and project control techniques, as these are key for us at Babcock. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in delivering cost forecasts and managing financial risks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission. Don’t forget to mention your experience with Earned Value Management and how you can contribute to our complex defence programmes.
Showcase Your Qualifications: If you have any relevant qualifications, like the APM Project Management Qualification, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. We love seeing candidates who are committed to their professional development and can bring that expertise to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. 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 Babcock International
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Cost Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost management tools like Deltek Cobra. Brush up on your knowledge of cost forecasting and variance analysis, and be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed costs on complex projects.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role requires strong engagement with senior stakeholders. Prepare to share instances where you've influenced decision-making or driven high performance within a team. Highlight your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the defence sector and the importance of financial robustness in national security programmes. Be prepared to discuss how your role as a Senior Cost Specialist contributes to the overall success of these critical projects and aligns with the company's mission.
✨Prepare for EVM Discussions
Since Earned Value Management (EVM) is a key part of this role, make sure you can explain how you've applied EVM techniques in previous positions. Bring examples of how you've tracked cost performance and managed financial risks, as this will show your practical understanding of the methodologies required.