At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor and control project costs while collaborating with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a leading light rail contractor in a vibrant urban environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major projects and develop your commercial expertise.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in cost engineering or 5 years as a Cost Clerk in construction.
- Other info: Exciting environment with excellent career progression and learning opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 34000 £ per year.
Are you a Cost Engineer with experience working for main contractors on construction projects? Do you have Cost Control experience in labour, plant, or materials?
Salary: £30,000 – £34,000 per annum
Location: Wednesbury, on site 5 days per week
This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading light rail contractor as part of their Urban/MMA division, supporting a major depot operation. You will play a key role in cost control, payment processing and commercial support, ensuring smooth financial administration across a high-performing delivery team. This is a varied, hands-on role where you will collaborate with commercial, delivery and finance colleagues, contribute to project performance and gain exposure across major civils and rail infrastructure. It is a brilliant environment for progression, learning and developing deeper commercial expertise.
About You:
- A minimum of 2 years' experience in a cost engineering role on major projects or 5 years' experience as a Cost Clerk in the rail, engineering, or construction sectors
- Strong background in construction project environments, with experience managing costs across depot, plant, labour, materials, and subcontractor elements
- Degree qualified in a relevant discipline (e.g., Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or similar)
- Ideally a member of ACostE or another recognised professional body
- Familiarity with project cost control systems such as Copernic, JADE, or LISA
- Excellent attention to detail with strong numerical and analytical skills
- Confident communicator with the ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor, control, and forecast project costs throughout the project lifecycle
- Support in the preparation and presentation of cost reports and variance analysis
- Ensure costs are recorded and managed in line with approved budgets
- Work collaboratively with the wider project team, including planners, engineers, and commercial colleagues
- Track and analyse costs related to depot operations, plant, materials, and subcontractor packages
- Identify and analyse trends, risks, and opportunities within the project cost framework
- Assist in the preparation of change control documentation and cost impact assessments
Interested? Get in touch with Emily today: Emily.atkins@carringtonwest.com or 07513 856580.
Cost Engineer Rail in Birmingham employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Engineer Rail in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and rail sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your cost control projects, reports, and any relevant achievements. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in managing costs and collaborating with teams. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that match your skills. Don’t hesitate to submit your application directly; it shows initiative and can give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Engineer Rail in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in cost engineering, especially in construction projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this Cost Engineer role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the job, so let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with project cost control systems like Copernic or JADE. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so highlight any specific tools or methodologies you’ve used in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your cost control experience, especially in labour, plant, and materials. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past projects where you successfully managed costs and how you used project cost control systems like Copernic or JADE.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with various teams, so highlight your experience working within multidisciplinary teams. Prepare anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and work well with planners, engineers, and commercial colleagues.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about cost forecasting and variance analysis. Brush up on these topics and be prepared to explain your approach to monitoring and controlling project costs throughout the lifecycle.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the importance of accuracy in this role, be ready to discuss how you ensure precision in your work. You might want to share examples of how your attention to detail has positively impacted project outcomes in your previous roles.