At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert cost engineering support for complex projects and improve cost visibility.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and research facility with a focus on national programmes.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a highly regulated environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost engineering and strong analytical skills required.
12-Month Contract Berkshire based Hybrid Working (2 Days Onsite) £50 - £60 per hour - Depending on experience 37 hours per week 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
As a Senior Cost Engineer, you will provide cost engineering expertise and support to project and programme teams, ensuring the quality, consistency, and integrity of cost data and reporting. You will be responsible for analysing project performance, identifying emerging trends, supporting forecasting activities, and providing recommendations to improve project cost performance and delivery confidence. The role also supports the ongoing development of cost engineering capability, processes, and best practice across the wider organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
- Strong understanding of forecasting, budgeting, cost reporting, and change management processes.
- Experience conducting SPI and CPI analysis within an Earned Value Management (EVM) environment.
- Ability to undertake trend analysis, forecasting, benchmarking, and performance reporting.
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience tracking labour productivity, resource utilisation, and manpower performance.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Ability to provide meaningful recommendations and challenge project assumptions where appropriate.
- Proficient in cost management and project controls systems.
Due to the nature of the work and potential security requirements, applicants must be at least a British National upon application submission to be considered.
Application Deadline
CV submission deadline: Monday 1st June, 10:00am. For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Ceto Talent and reference no. 504.
Senior Cost Engineer employer: Ceto Talent
Join a leading engineering and research facility in Berkshire, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering complex national programmes. With a strong focus on employee development, this role offers hybrid working arrangements, competitive pay, and the chance to contribute to critical projects that shape the future. Experience a collaborative work culture that values innovation and continuous improvement, making it an ideal environment for skilled professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Engineer
✨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 knowledge and soft skills. Practice common interview questions related to cost engineering and think of examples from your past work that showcase your expertise. Confidence is key, so let your experience shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and tailor your approach to each one. A targeted application can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind for hiring managers. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to highlight why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Engineer
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 forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When writing your application, focus on your background in engineering or project controls. Mention specific projects where you've successfully implemented cost management processes. This helps us see your fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and responsibilities. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like cost engineering.
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 makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
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 numerical skills and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets and conducted variance analysis in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with trend analysis and benchmarking. Think of instances where your recommendations led to improved project cost performance. Being able to articulate your thought process will show that you can provide meaningful insights.
✨Understand the Environment
Familiarise yourself with the complexities of working in regulated environments like defence or nuclear. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve navigated these challenges in past projects, as this will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in such settings.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with project managers or other stakeholders to provide cost performance updates or recommendations. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively within teams.
