Chief Cost Planner in London

Overview: Working within the Commercial Department reporting to the Commercial Director/Head of Commercial and leading the preconstruction/estimating functions. Supporting Land and Development submissions with accurate Cost planning, input on Method & Buildability, and Programming to Land Bids for the Procurement of Land. Adopt a solution-led approach yet maintain rigor and due diligence. The individual will be a key contributor to strategic planning and decision making to secure business targets.

Responsibilities:

• Capable of accurately cost planning complex schemes, using experience, relationships with key subcontractors or others, and detailed cost matrices from records and current projects.
• Liaise across Barratts London in the assembly and maintenance of a Cost Plan database with specific reference to High Rise Works – updated on a 3 monthly basis.
• Maximising the efficiencies of schemes for best value.
• Challenge the wider team inputs into base Design Project Execution Plans, Programmes and Project Delivery to secure an efficient and successful Bid.
• Following a successful Bid, support the evolution of the scheme (including through NMAs /Section 73's) maintaining ownership of and updating the Cost Plan, illustrating with due shift statements, while working with the wider project team to maintain a coherent development of the design in line with the principals of the Bid and best values.
• In the case of a Gateway submission, ownership of the cost plan will continue to the submission of the GW2 application.
• Leadership and management of the preconstruction team, providing guidance training and mentorship.
• Review and update current Preconstruction Roles and responsibilities to establish best practice and controls in all preconstruction activities.
• Ownership - Clearly record and own the cost plan process to meet bid dates.
• Risk & Opportunities prepare, establish & maintain schedule, identify owners of same, monitor to ensure matters are addressed or priced out accordingly.
• Consultants input – secure appropriate consultants' appointments for timely and considered support as a part of any bid.
• Preparing cost plans.
• Develop bid strategies and ensure that bids are competitive and aligned with company goals.
• Lead on the input of all development costs into appraisal/viabilities.
• Identify specific scheme abnormals, prepare estimates of all prime costs, co-ordinate input of all development costs into appraisals/viabilities, input into "value engineering" exercise at appraisal/pre-start stage, and optimisation without compromising Safety and Quality.
• Input and maintain master appraisal costs and shift statements to feed into the updated Development viabilities.
• Monitor and evaluate project changes, ensuring that adjustments are reflected in estimates and budgets.
• Present estimates and proposals to the business.
• Project execution plans oversee and influence the development and contents of the PEP, and Programme for works.
• Working with Planner and Project Director – review and interrogate the Programme and Prelim logic and costs.
• Working with the L&D team ensure a consistent, accurate and considered input into the preparation and maintenance of viabilities through the life cycle of base bid and final GW2 submission.
• Cost data models and library - working with the site Commercial team establish, maintain, and update cost data on a 3 monthly basis to provide a Current cost position on all Bids during the process.
• Contact and communicate with Subcontractors, and other partners/stakeholders to gain specific specialist input and build relationships required for a complete bid.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Analyse historical data and market trends to improve accuracy and reliability of future estimates.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to identify areas for improvement and incorporate lessons learned into future projects.

What You'll Need:

• Professionally qualified ideally RICS/CIOB with at least extensive experience in a similar role, and a proven track record of delivery.
• Strong relationship builder.
• Relationships - Professionally Influence the Land and Development teams to ensure best value, design control and a maximised scheme value are maintained throughout.
• Professional & clear Communication skills - a voice of experience.
• Commercially challenge and influence matters consistently and with respect.
• Manage and lead a team.
• Organised and clear.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a resourceful approach to addressing challenges.
• Knowledge: Extensive understanding of construction methods, materials, and industry standards, with specific knowledge of high-rise construction being a significant advantage.
• Self Starter: Able to work on own initiative.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in advanced estimating software (e.g., Onscreen take off, Cost X, Bluebeam, Planswift, or similar), Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), and project management tools.
• Analytical Skills: Exceptional analytical and mathematical skills to analyse data, perform accurate calculations, and prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Attention to Detail: High attention to detail and accuracy in preparing and reviewing estimates and documentation.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary.
• Competitive Bonus Scheme.
• Private Medical Cover - Single Cover.
• Company Car or Cash Allowance.
• Annual Medical Health Assessment.
• 26 days' holiday (increase by 1 day for every 3 years' continuous service up to 29 days).
• Choice of Flexible Benefits.
• Enhanced Family Friendly Policies.

Our Benefits Are Fit To Measure Today's housebuilding professional need tomorrow's benefits, so they're ready for whatever the future brings. When you join Barratt, you get the kind of support you would expect from a business built for a modern working world.

• Private medical cover: Private healthcare support is available for timely access to a virtual GP, for diagnosis, treatment and more — including physio and talking therapies. You can even add family members.
• Pension: First-class pension schemes with the option of up to 10% employer contributions.
• Annual Health Assessment: All colleagues are able to access a fully funded annual health assessment, helping you to proactively manage your health and wellbeing.
• Financial Benefits: As well as a competitive salary, we offer many ways to make life more affordable – from access to employee loans and savings accounts, to house purchase discounts.
• Lifestyle Benefits: Cycle to Work scheme, reduced hotel rate, discounts at major retailers... These make a massive difference to the quality of your lifestyle.
• So much more: From death in service, paid volunteer and study leave, enhanced family friendly policies (including our Parents and Carers leave) to a share buying scheme, we have an incredible range of additional benefits.