At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management for a groundbreaking transport programme reshaping UK connectivity.
- Company: Join CMR, an award-winning consultancy with a vibrant team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48600 - 59400 £ per year.
We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to join our dynamic award-winning team. Our client is delivering one of the most complex and high-profile infrastructure programmes in the UK today. Backed by the UK Government and key industry stakeholders, the organisation is entering a pivotal phase of development: securing funding, finalising strategic partnerships across the supply chain, and laying the regulatory groundwork to advance into full-scale construction.
As a Senior Cost Manager, you’ll be at the heart of a nationally significant transport programme that will reshape connectivity across the UK. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a landmark infrastructure project from the inside out—driving value, ensuring commercial rigour, and helping deliver one of the most ambitious rail initiatives in British history.
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:
- Team Leadership & Collaboration: Support the Cost Lead in driving integrated cost control practices across the Civil Works Programme. Coach and guide team members within the Cost Discipline. Collaborate with other Project Controls disciplines and support functions to ensure aligned project delivery.
- Cost Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate cost forecasts and actuals within the financial control system (EcoSys). Oversee monthly cost reporting cycles including Actual Cost of Work Performed (ACWP), Earned Value Analysis, and Estimates at Completion (EAC). Ensure all changes are reflected accurately within budgets and forecasts. Review and integrate estimates from Tier 1 contractors and suppliers.
- Analysis & Insight: Conduct cost performance analysis and identify areas of risk or opportunity. Ensure earned value techniques are correctly implemented across the programme. Support the development and optimisation of cost reporting systems.
We’re looking for:
Essential:
- Demonstrated leadership capability in cost or commercial functions.
- Deep understanding of cost management methodologies and earned value analysis.
- Strong grasp of engineering, procurement, and construction processes.
- High-level analytical and numerical ability with attention to detail.
- Experience with cost management tools such as EcoSys.
- Familiarity with NEC or FIDIC contract frameworks.
- Commercially astute with excellent interpersonal skills.
Desirable:
- Familiarity with scheduling (Primavera P6) and risk tools (ARM).
- Experience working on complex major infrastructure projects.
- Ability to communicate and present financial insights to senior stakeholders.
- Previous experience in the nuclear or regulated infrastructure sector.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction, Accounting or related discipline (or equivalent project experience).
- Chartered or equivalent professional status preferred.
- Proven track record in cost management within a major project environment.
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
- 3 Days in London Office / 2 days hybrid
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
Next Steps:
To apply to our vacancy please submit a copy of your CV for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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.
Senior Cost Manager - 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 Senior Cost Manager - 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
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✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Manager - 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.
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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!
