Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost control activities for complex defence programmes that ensure national security.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading defence organisation committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and a matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a commitment to inclusivity.
- 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 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Drive critical programmes that protect and power the future.
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.
This is an opportunity to grow your expertise in project controls, collaborate with industry‑leading professionals, and contribute to programmes that combine innovation, engineering excellence, and purpose.
Day‑to‑day responsibilities
- 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
Essential experience
- 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
- 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.
What we offer
- 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
- Flexible working options to support work‑life balance
- A dynamic working environment with real career progression opportunities
EEO / Disability statement
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Senior Cost Specialist in Bristol employer: Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.
Contact Detail:
Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA. 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 industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend local meetups. 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 practising common questions related to cost control and project management. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it’ll help you showcase your experience effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company! Understanding their projects and values will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses. We want you to show how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you that dream job!
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 controls, as these are key for us. 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! Tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and drive performance.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you’ve achieved! Use metrics and outcomes to illustrate your impact in previous roles, especially in cost control and project management. This will help us see the real-world impact you can bring to our programmes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.
✨Know Your Cost Management Tools
Make sure you’re well-versed in cost management tools like Deltek Cobra. Brush up on how to use these tools effectively, as they’ll likely come up during your interview. Being able to discuss your experience with them will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Lifecycle Knowledge
Be prepared to talk about your experience across the full project lifecycle. Highlight specific projects where you applied cost control techniques and how they contributed to the project's success. This will demonstrate your understanding of the role and its importance in delivering complex programmes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Showcase your ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with different teams to manage financial risks and changes. This will illustrate your communication skills and your capacity to drive high performance.
✨Prepare for EVM Discussions
Since Earned Value Management (EVM) is a key part of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with it. Bring examples of how you’ve tracked cost performance and delivered variance analysis. This will highlight your analytical skills and your ability to support informed decision-making.