At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management strategies and oversee financial governance in major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join CMR, an award-winning consultancy transforming project controls in the construction industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, bonuses, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community that values your unique strengths and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while shaping the future of project controls.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior cost management roles within complex project environments.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: 2 Days London / 3 days hybrid
Type: Full-time
Start Date: Immediate
Salary: Competitive
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.
You’ll:
- 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:
Essential:
- 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.
Head of Cost Management in London employer: Cmr
CMR in London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration within the nuclear sector. Employees benefit from extensive growth opportunities, mentorship programmes, and a commitment to continuous improvement, all while working on impactful infrastructure projects. The company's focus on a Digital by Default approach ensures that you will be at the forefront of data analytics and business intelligence, making your role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cost Management in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Cmr, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Cost Management at Cmr.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cost Management in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cmr
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
