At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert cost engineering support and improve project performance through analysis and reporting.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and research facility with a focus on complex national programmes.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and best practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a highly regulated environment while developing your cost engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost engineering and project controls, with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 4000 - 4800 £ per month.
12-Month Contract ~ Hybrid Working (2 Days Onsite) ~ £50 - £60 per hour - Depending on experience ~ Inside IR35
Ceto Talent is supporting a highly secure major engineering and research facility supporting some of the UK's most complex scientific, infrastructure, and national programmes in the search for a Senior Cost Engineer to join its Business Management function on a long-term contract basis. This position sits within a central cost engineering and business management team, providing specialist cost engineering support across a portfolio of complex programmes and projects.
The successful candidate will be responsible for cost forecasting, performance analysis, budgeting, reporting, trend identification, and assurance activities, helping to improve cost visibility and support informed decision-making across the organisation. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Cost Engineer looking to work within a highly regulated and technically complex environment where robust cost management and performance insight are critical to programme success.
The Role
- Provide cost engineering expertise and support to project and programme teams, ensuring the quality, consistency, and integrity of cost data and reporting.
- Analyse project performance, identify emerging trends, support forecasting activities, and provide recommendations to improve project cost performance and delivery confidence.
- Support the ongoing development of cost engineering capability, processes, and best practice across the wider organisation.
- Implement appropriate procedures, processes, and systems to ensure the quality and consistency of cost data.
- Prepare, monitor, and control project forecasts and budgets, including change control activities.
- Produce detailed cost reports, trend analysis, and early warning indicators.
- Interrogate project systems to analyse actual expenditure, commitments, and accruals.
- Conduct detailed Schedule Performance Index (SPI) and Cost Performance Index (CPI) variance analysis.
- Perform root cause analysis and provide narrative reporting, recommendations, and recovery plans.
- Establish and maintain Project Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS).
- Lead cost studies and benchmarking exercises using historical project data.
- Develop and maintain benchmarking information to support project and programme requirements.
- Provide Project Managers with trend analysis, performance forecasts, and recommendations based on emerging project data.
- Track manpower productivity and analyse resource utilisation against project plans.
- Review labour performance, resource constraints, and time booked to projects, providing recommendations where required.
- Support project teams with forecasting, reporting, and cost performance management activities.
- Assist with the coordination and deployment of Business Management resources where required.
- Promote continuous improvement and cost engineering best practice across the organisation.
- Maintain high standards of safety, security, quality, and environmental compliance.
Requirements
- Proven experience in Cost Engineering, Cost Control, Cost Management, or Project Controls.
- Background within engineering, construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, defence, nuclear, utilities, or other major project environments.
- Experience conducting SPI and CPI analysis within an Earned Value Management (EVM) environment.
- Ability to undertake trend analysis, forecasting, benchmarking, and performance reporting.
- Experience tracking labour productivity, resource utilisation, and manpower performance.
- Ability to provide meaningful recommendations and challenge project assumptions where appropriate.
- Proficient in cost management and project controls systems.
For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Ceto Talent.
Senior Engineer; Project Quality in Reading employer: Ceto Talent
Join a leading engineering and research facility that prioritises innovation and excellence in a highly regulated environment. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to continuous growth opportunities and the chance to work alongside industry experts. Enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while contributing to critical national programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer; Project Quality in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and project management fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to cost engineering and project controls. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous projects, especially those involving cost forecasting and performance analysis. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer; Project Quality in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Cost Engineer role. Highlight your experience in cost engineering, project controls, and any relevant industry background. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
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 position. Share specific examples of your past work that relate to cost forecasting and performance analysis. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role involves a lot of analysis, make sure to highlight your experience with SPI and CPI variance analysis. We love seeing candidates who can provide meaningful recommendations based on data, so don’t hold back on those details!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ceto Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Cost Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost forecasting and performance analysis. Brush up on your knowledge of SPI and CPI metrics, and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past projects. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to improve cost visibility and support decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
This role requires a keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills. Be prepared to talk about how you've conducted root cause analysis and provided recommendations in previous roles. Bring along any relevant reports or case studies that highlight your analytical prowess and how it led to successful project outcomes.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
It's crucial to understand how your role fits within the larger context of the organisation's goals. Familiarise yourself with the company's major programmes and projects, and think about how your contributions as a Senior Cost Engineer can drive success. This will show your potential employer that you're not just focused on numbers but also on strategic impact.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Think of scenarios where you've had to challenge assumptions or provide meaningful recommendations under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, ensuring you convey your thought process and the positive outcomes of your actions.
