At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage project costs and ensure accurate financial reporting for a major nuclear project.
- Company: Join a leading firm in the nuclear sector with a focus on safety and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a critical project that shapes the future of energy and infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost control within regulated environments and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Cost Controller to support the delivery of a major nuclear project based in Whitehaven, Cumbria. The role will play a critical part in ensuring robust cost management, forecasting, and financial control in a highly regulated environment. You will work closely with the Project Controls, Commercial, and Delivery teams to provide accurate cost reporting and support informed decision‑making throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and manage project cost control systems, ensuring accurate tracking of actuals, commitments, and forecasts.
- Produce monthly cost reports, including CVR, forecast to complete (FTC), and estimate at completion (EAC).
- Monitor cost performance against budget, identifying variances, risks, and opportunities at an early stage.
- Support the preparation and maintenance of baseline budgets and change control.
- Work closely with planning and commercial teams to align cost and schedule data.
- Provide cost input into risk and contingency management processes.
- Support audits and reviews in line with nuclear governance, quality, and assurance requirements.
- Ensure compliance with project controls procedures, client standards, and regulatory expectations.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of cost management and reporting processes.
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience as a Cost Controller / Project Cost Engineer on major infrastructure or regulated projects.
- Experience working within nuclear, defence, rail, utilities, or similarly regulated environments.
- Strong understanding of cost forecasting, CVR, EAC, and change control.
- Competent in cost control systems and Excel-based reporting (Power BI desirable).
- Knowledge of NEC contracts and target cost environments.
- High attention to detail with strong analytical and reporting skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
Desirable
- Previous experience on nuclear licensed sites (e.g. NDA / Sellafield‑aligned projects).
- Awareness of nuclear safety culture and quality assurance processes.
- SC clearance or eligibility to obtain security clearance.
Cost Controller employer: Carmichael UK
Contact Detail:
Carmichael UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the nuclear and infrastructure sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and don’t hesitate to ask for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for Cost Controller roles and practice your answers. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Show them how your experience aligns with their needs!
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When you find a job that excites you, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in cost forecasting and project controls during interviews. We want to see how you can bring value to their team, so be specific about your achievements!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you that Cost Controller role together!
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Controller role. Highlight your experience in cost management, especially in regulated environments like nuclear or infrastructure projects. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your previous roles as a Cost Controller or Project Cost Engineer. Mention specific projects you've worked on and any relevant tools or systems you’ve used, like Excel or Power BI. This helps us see your fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the important bits!
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 StudySmarter and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carmichael UK
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost management. Brush up on key metrics like CVR, FTC, and EAC before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past projects to manage budgets effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Regulations
Since this role is in a highly regulated environment, it's crucial to show that you understand the specific regulations related to nuclear projects. Research the relevant compliance standards and be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This position requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with project controls, commercial, or delivery teams. Highlight how your teamwork contributed to better cost management and decision-making.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions about cost control systems and Excel-based reporting. Brush up on your knowledge of NEC contracts and target cost environments. Being able to confidently answer these questions will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable.