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- 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, matched pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- 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 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
✨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 those interviews by practising common questions related to cost control and project management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in real-time! If you get the chance, bring examples of your past work or case studies to the interview. We want to see how you’ve tackled cost forecasting and risk analysis in previous projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Senior Cost Specialist role. Highlight your experience with cost management tools and project controls, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications. 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 makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your expertise in cost control.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve successfully managed costs and influenced stakeholders in past roles. We love seeing tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining 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.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed costs or mitigated financial risks. This will help you illustrate your expertise and thought process.
✨Understand the Importance of EVM
Earned Value Management (EVM) is crucial in this role. Be prepared to explain how you’ve used EVM in previous projects, including how it helped track performance and manage budgets. Showing a solid grasp of EVM will highlight your capability to deliver on complex programmes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you’ve collaborated with different teams to develop cost estimates and manage changes. This will showcase your communication skills and your understanding of the broader project landscape.