At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert cost engineering support and analysis for complex projects.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and research facility with a focus on innovation.
- 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 enhancing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost engineering and project controls is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50 - 60 £ per hour.
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 and reference no.
Senior Risk Engineer (Contract) in Reading employer: Ceto Talent
Ceto Talent is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work within a highly secure and technically complex environment that supports some of the UK's most significant scientific and national programmes. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that values continuous improvement and best practices in cost engineering, while providing flexible hybrid working arrangements that enhance work-life balance. Joining Ceto Talent means being part of a dedicated team where your expertise will directly contribute to the success of critical projects, all while enjoying competitive remuneration and a commitment to safety and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Risk Engineer (Contract) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and cost management sectors. 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 brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge of cost engineering. Be ready to discuss your experience with SPI and CPI analysis, and how you've tackled challenges in past projects. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous work in cost forecasting and performance analysis. Use real examples to demonstrate how you’ve improved project cost performance. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Senior Risk Engineer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Risk Engineer (Contract) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Risk Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in cost engineering and project controls, and don’t forget to mention any specific tools or methodologies you’ve used that align with the job description.
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 role. Mention your experience with SPI and CPI analysis, and how you can contribute to improving cost visibility and decision-making at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve improved cost performance or delivered successful projects in the past.
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’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ceto Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Risk 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 your experience with trend analysis and root cause analysis. Think of a time when you identified an emerging trend that led to significant improvements in project cost performance, and be ready to share that story.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Best Practices
The company is looking for someone who can promote continuous improvement and cost engineering best practices. Research the latest trends in cost management and be ready to discuss how you can implement these practices in their organisation. Highlight any previous experiences where you successfully introduced new processes or systems.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the specific challenges they face in cost management and how you can contribute to overcoming them. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
