Head of Cost Management

We are currently seeking an experienced Head of Cost to join our dynamic award-winning team. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversight of cost management across a major infrastructure programme, strengthening cost governance, controls, forecasting and reporting while ensuring effective integration between Project Controls, Commercial and Delivery functions.

This is a key PMO-facing role, suited to someone who can operate at both leadership and programme level, with a clear focus on cost strategy, governance, control, communication and the bigger picture. As Head of Cost, you will play a central role in ensuring cost performance is effectively managed, governed and communicated across the programme. You will be expected to drive consistency in approach, provide clear reporting and insight to leadership teams, and ensure that cost management activities are aligned to wider programme objectives.

The role requires a strong cost management background, combined with solid commercial understanding and the ability to provide confident oversight and leadership at a strategic level.

About us: CMR is an award-winning project controls consultancy that is first and foremost a team of people, passionate about the construction industry and changing the way project controls is provided. Our approach and culture have been recognised globally, with CMR named Global Project Controls Small Business of the Year 2025 (Project Controls Expo UK Awards) and one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in 2026 (Great Place to Work).

Our Purpose (Why we exist): Inspiring new ways to help shape our construction industry.

Our Ambition (What we want to achieve): Re-imagine project controls through a digital lens, being the obvious choice for clients and the place to grow together with intention.

What’s in it for you? At CMR you will have the opportunity to professionally develop like nowhere you have worked before. If you demonstrate the capability, our merit-based system will enable you to develop fast. We use our in-house capability matrix to transparently track your progression and highlight development areas. Join our small, dynamic team where every member has the chance to make a significant impact, shaping the future direction of our company and making a real difference. We believe in rewarding our team for their achievements, celebrating our successes but equally helping each other when things are tough.

• Lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive cost management framework across the programme.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of cost management activity across the Delivery Programme.
• Develop and implement cost management strategies, plans, processes and procedures.
• Coordinate inputs from cost, schedule, risk, change and commercial functions to ensure effective integration across baselines, contracts and the wider programme.

We’re looking for:

• Proven experience operating as a Head of Cost, Cost Director or senior cost management leader within complex infrastructure or major project environments.
• Strong experience in cost management, including defining, implementing and governing cost control processes within a programme or PMO environment.
• Demonstrable experience overseeing cost control, estimating, forecasting, reporting and performance at programme level.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to align cost management activities to contractual and commercial outcomes.
• Experience integrating cost management with wider Project Controls functions, including planning, risk and change.
• Ability to provide clear insight and reporting on cost performance to senior stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Experience operating in an oversight or assurance role, ensuring consistency, governance and best practice across a programme.
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills, with the ability to influence, challenge and communicate effectively across Project Controls, Commercial and Delivery teams.

At CMR we have a strong culture driven by our 9 Core Principles. We look to build a community of people that share our values and ambitions. We’re proud that 96% of our team say CMR is a “Great Place to Work” a reflection of our supportive culture, focus on people, and drive to do things differently.

Requirements and Location:

• Full right to work in the UK.
• Working from home and 2 days across multiple locations.

Salary & Benefits:

• 25 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays).
• Comprehensive Private Healthcare (Inc Dentist and Optician).
• Life Assurance (x4 Salary).
• Pension: employers' contribution of 4%.
• Company and personal performance-based bonus.
• Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Long Service Leave.
• Training and professional development.
• Regular social events.
• Perkbox – employee experience platform.

CMR welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce. CMR is Disability Confident Committed and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths and unique perspectives.