Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management and financial oversight for diverse projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: A leading UK higher education estate owner with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Permanent full-time role with competitive salary and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic projects while developing your career in cost management.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent experience, with strong commercial skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A leading UK higher education estate owner is seeking an experienced Cost Manager to join its Estates Asset Management team. This role will provide strategic cost management and financial oversight across a substantial portfolio of compliance-led and maintenance-driven term contracts and minor works. Reporting to senior leadership, you will ensure robust cost assurance, financial control, and value for money across multiple projects and frameworks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead cost assurance across measured term contracts and minor works programmes
- Review and challenge cost plans, tenders, valuations and final accounts
- Prepare feasibility estimates and support budget setting and forecasting
- Support procurement strategy and framework renewals
- Manage and review external cost consultants and contractor performance
- Contribute to audit processes and continuous improvement initiatives
About You:
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or a construction cost discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Strong commercial and cost management experience within maintenance or construction environments
- Solid knowledge of NEC, JCT or other standard forms of contract
- Proven ability to manage consultants and stakeholders at senior level
- Excellent financial, analytical and negotiation skills
- Professional membership (MRICS, MCIOB or equivalent) *desirable*
Cost Manager in Cambridge employer: Burman Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Burman Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Cost Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to cost management and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit for their Estates Asset Management team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Cost Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to manage costs effectively. We suggest role-playing common scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before those crucial interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and make a difference in the world of cost management.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Manager role. Highlight your experience in cost management and any relevant qualifications, like your degree in Quantity Surveying. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: When writing your application, don’t just list your responsibilities. Instead, showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've led cost assurance or improved financial control in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you've made.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burman Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you’ve ensured value for money in past projects.
✨Understand the Contracts
Familiarise yourself with NEC, JCT, and other standard forms of contract. Be prepared to discuss how these contracts impact cost management and how you've navigated challenges related to them in your previous positions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be reporting to senior leadership, so it's crucial to highlight your experience managing consultants and stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you led a team or influenced decision-making processes effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to challenge cost plans or manage contractor performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
