At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management across diverse projects from planning to final accounts.
- Company: Established consultancy with a focus on multidisciplinary built environment projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development support, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to various sectors and collaborative project teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while mentoring junior colleagues and building client relationships.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; strong UK consultancy experience required.
A well-established multidisciplinary built environment consultancy is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Cost Manager to join their Reading team. This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior Cost Manager to work across a varied portfolio spanning education, residential, hospitality and industrial projects, while taking a visible role with clients and project teams.
The successful Senior Cost Manager will lead commissions through the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility and cost planning through tendering, construction and final account. The Senior Cost Manager will provide clear commercial guidance, manage project budgets and support informed decision-making across both pre- and post-contract stages.
This role would suit a confident Senior Cost Manager with strong UK consultancy experience who enjoys combining technical delivery with client relationship management. The position also offers the chance to support graduates and junior colleagues, contribute to team development and strengthen existing client relationships while helping to create new ones.
Key Responsibilities:
- Preparing cost plans and estimates through multiple RIBA stages
- Advising clients on procurement strategy, tendering and contract selection
- Producing tender and contract documentation
- Reviewing tender submissions and supporting contract negotiations
- Managing valuations, variations and progress payments
- Monitoring budgets and preparing regular cost reports
- Negotiating final accounts and advising on contractual matters
- Mentoring junior team members and supporting their development
- Building trusted relationships with clients and wider project stakeholders
Candidate Requirements:
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related construction discipline
- Strong UK PQS or cost consultancy experience
- MRICS preferred, or working towards chartership
- Sound knowledge of JCT contracts and standard procurement routes
- Proven ability to manage commissions independently
- Strong negotiation, communication and organisational skills
- Commercially aware and confident in a client-facing environment
- Able to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary project teams
In Return:
- £65,000 - £75,000 per annum
- Reading-based role
- Broad cross-sector project exposure
- Strong client-facing responsibility
- Support for continued professional development
- Clear scope for progression within an established consultancy
If you are a Senior Cost Manager considering your career opportunities, then please contact Dan McEvoy at Brandon James.
Senior Cost Manager in Reading employer: Brandon James
Join a well-established independent consultancy in Birmingham, where you will enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters autonomy and direct client engagement. With a strong focus on professional development, the firm offers excellent benefits including a competitive salary, private healthcare, and opportunities for mentorship, making it an ideal environment for ambitious Chartered Building Surveyors looking to shape their careers while contributing to a growing team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Manager in Reading
✨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 Brandon James, 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 Senior Cost Manager at Brandon James.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Manager in Reading
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 Brandon James
✨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!
