At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost planning and estimation for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, competitive salary, health benefits, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a team where your skills can shape the future of construction.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Key Responsibilities
- The Estimator / Cost Planning Manager assumes commercial and functional management.
- Overseeing the pre‑construction cost planning process.
- Developing and implementing best‑practice estimation methodologies.
- Driving value engineering initiatives and managing commercial risk registers on major tenders.
- Responsible for tender sign‑off and bid strategy alignment.
- Engaging in client negotiation on project costs.
- Acting as a commercial liaison for external stakeholders.
Cost Planning
- Utilise and support the development of the company’s preferred cost planning software and tools.
- Be proficient in taking off quantities using the Bovis measurement software.
- Collaborate with the commercial team to secure market prices for trade packages and analyse these against cost plan allowances.
- Prepare, review, and analyse preliminaries for first and second stage bids.
- Incorporate programming requirements, methodology, phasing, and associated implications into cost plans and preliminaries.
- Accurately quantify and price cost plans from Development Brief / Feasibility stage through to Contract Price with the preferred contractor.
- Manage external consultants (EQ Bill of Quants Consultancy).
- Prepare design fees with support from the relevant Design Manager.
- Prepare tender documentation for submission.
- Prepare cost plan commentary and supply key information to Bid Managers.
- Ensure that scope, assumptions, and pricing are clearly documented throughout all cost planning stages.
Design and Cost Control
- Support project teams with change control and major variations during conversion and delivery stages.
- Continuously analyse the design against cost plan assumptions, design briefs/target metrics, and benchmark projects.
Bidding and Strategy
- Lead or support a bid as a Cost Planner either independently or as part of a team.
- Support compliance of the cost plan with brief, authority, financiers’, and customer requirements during the conversion stage.
Data / Analytics
- Support the updating of design and cost KPI’s.
- Support benchmarking data and workstreams.
- Contribute to the development of best practices, standards, knowledge bases, sector expertise, industry trends, yardsticks, and benchmarks.
- Produce written narratives outlining key insights derived from cost and benchmarking analysis.
Credentials
- Maintain CSCS card for the role.
- Currently holding, or working towards a related Chartership such as MRICS / MCIOB.
Essential Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Behaviours
- Ability to influence and lead teams.
- Ability to read drawings and construction design information.
- Data analysis and data analytics including use of PowerBI.
- Document control, negotiation, presentation skills, problem solving, process compliance.
- Strong Commercial acumen.
- Tendering subcontract works packages of medium to high value.
- Time management and prioritising tasks in order to meet deadlines.
- Value engineering.
- Written and verbal communication to influence and build relationships with various stakeholders.
Knowledge
- Ability to contribute to value engineering as part of the design process.
- Allocation of scope to trade packages.
- Understanding and applying cost planning & financial procedures and reporting tools.
- Understanding of various procurement routes, including the RIBA design processes.
Experience
- Proven track record of working on various bid stages.
- Reviewing subcontractor tender offers and subcontractor tender analysis.
- Building inflation models / calculations.
- Coordinating multiple trade packages into a master cost plan / bill of quantities.
- Preparing cost plans at various RIBA stages.
- Presenting to stakeholders.
- Understanding, building, and using benchmarking data.
Behaviours
- Flexibility and openness of approach and willingness to work as a team player.
- Great attention to detail and thoroughness in all of the work produced.
- Analytical thinking.
- Ownership of Reporting, including populating all key templates and documents for reviews.
- Providing constructive challenge and feedback to others within the team.
We will provide:
- Car allowance.
- Flexible and hybrid work options.
- Up to 10% employer pension contribution.
- Private medical health benefit.
- Life assurance.
- 25 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell additional days.
- 3 days wellbeing leave in addition to annual leave.
- Health and wellbeing support and initiatives.
- 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounted gym membership to over 2,500 gyms nationwide.
- Industry leading parental leave.
Cost Planner in London employer: Bovis Group
As a leading employer in the construction sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our flexible working options, comprehensive health benefits, and generous leave policies, including industry-leading parental leave. Join us in a role that not only challenges you but also provides ample opportunities for professional development and personal well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Planner in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Bovis Group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Cost Planner at Bovis Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Planner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bovis Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
