Cost Engineer

Cost Engineer

Full-Time 51750 - 63250 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage project costs and ensure accurate financial reporting on a major engineering project.
  • Company: Join a leading international engineering contractor with a strong project portfolio.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, site allowance, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Other info: Work on one of the region's largest live engineering projects in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a large-scale project and make a real impact in the engineering sector.
  • Qualifications: Experience in cost reporting and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.

Location: Hull

Salary: Up to £55,000 + package

Site allowance: Available for eligible candidates

Employment: Permanent, full-time

Commercial Talent Solutions is supporting a major international engineering and industrial services contractor with the appointment of a Cost Engineer for a large-scale EPC project in Hull. The business delivers complex engineering, construction and maintenance projects across the energy, chemicals, manufacturing and wider process sectors. It has a substantial UK project portfolio and an established project delivery team in the region.

The role will be based on a £160m+ engineering, procurement and construction project within a live process and chemical environment. The project includes a broad range of civils, structural steel, mechanical, pipework, electrical and instrumentation packages. It is currently moving through its main construction phase, creating a requirement for accurate cost control, forecasting and reporting across a high volume of project activity. The Cost Engineer will sit within the project controls function and work closely with the commercial, planning, procurement, engineering and project management teams.

Key responsibilities

  • Maintain accurate cost data across the project and its individual work packages
  • Monitor actual expenditure, commitments and accruals against approved budgets
  • Produce regular cost reports, cash-flow forecasts and variance analysis
  • Support the preparation and maintenance of estimate-at-completion forecasts
  • Review emerging cost trends and identify potential overspends at an early stage
  • Track labour, materials, plant, procurement and subcontract costs
  • Work with package managers to understand progress, remaining scope and forecast costs
  • Support the project’s change control process by assessing and recording the cost impact of changes
  • Reconcile cost information against procurement, commercial and finance records
  • Assist with monthly project reporting and provide clear commentary on cost movements
  • Work alongside the planning team to ensure progress and cost information are aligned
  • Provide reliable cost information to support commercial and operational decision-making
  • Highlight cost risks, inconsistencies or gaps in reporting and follow them through to resolution

What we are looking for

We are interested in speaking with Cost Engineers or Project Controls professionals who have worked within an engineering, construction or major-project environment. Experience within any of the following would be particularly relevant:

  • EPC or engineering-led construction projects
  • Energy, chemicals, oil and gas or process manufacturing
  • Mechanical, electrical, instrumentation or pipework packages
  • Civil engineering or major infrastructure
  • NEC or other structured contract environments
  • Large, multi-package construction projects

Candidates should be comfortable working with detailed cost data and producing clear, accurate information for senior project stakeholders. You should also be able to demonstrate:

  • Experience of cost reporting, forecasting and variance analysis
  • A good understanding of budgets, commitments, accruals and actual costs
  • Strong Excel and data-analysis capability
  • Experience using ERP, finance or project-controls systems
  • The ability to interrogate cost information and challenge inconsistencies
  • Clear communication across commercial, operational and project teams
  • A practical understanding of how engineering and construction projects are delivered

Formal qualifications in quantity surveying, commercial management, engineering, finance or project controls would be useful, although relevant project experience is more important.

The opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a well-established contractor on one of the region’s largest live engineering and construction projects. The successful candidate will gain exposure to a technically complex EPC programme, significant work-package values and a broad range of engineering disciplines. The position is site-based in Hull, so candidates must be able to work from the project location on a regular basis.

Cost Engineer employer: Commercial Talent Solutions

Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding power infrastructure contractor that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a competitive package, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to influence a diverse portfolio of electricity-distribution schemes across Yorkshire and North East England, this role offers a rewarding career path in a supportive environment. The company prioritises employee development and provides a platform for you to make a significant impact while enjoying the benefits of a strong regional presence.

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Contact Details:

Commercial Talent Solutions Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Cost Engineer

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Cost Engineer role you’re after at Commercial Talent Solutions.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Commercial Talent Solutions a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Commercial Talent Solutions.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Cost Engineer at Commercial Talent Solutions, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Cost Engineer

Cost Reporting
Forecasting
Variance Analysis
Budget Management
Accruals Management
Expenditure Monitoring
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Cost Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Commercial Talent Solutions a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Commercial Talent Solutions specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial Talent Solutions

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Commercial Talent Solutions, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Commercial Talent Solutions want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.