At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage costs for a major infrastructure programme and ensure accurate reporting.
- Company: Leading consultancy with a focus on significant UK infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a high-profile project and make a real impact in cost management.
- Qualifications: Degree-qualified with strong Excel skills and experience in project controls.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Conrad Consulting is proud to be partnering with a leading consultancy delivering one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure programmes. We are currently seeking an experienced Cost Manager to join our clients PMO team.
This is a high-profile opportunity for a cost management professional to play a key role in programme-level cost control, reporting and performance analysis within a complex, major project environment.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Cost Lead, the Cost Manager will support accurate and timely reporting of project performance against the approved baseline. You will be responsible for administering effective cost control processes and driving cost performance reporting across the programme, including earned value analysis. The role involves close collaboration with project, commercial and finance teams to ensure robust cost data, accurate accruals and informed decision-making.
Hybrid working arrangement:
- 2 days per week in the Suffolk office / 3 days WFH (rotational)
- 2 days per week in the London office / 3 days WFH (rotational)
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Cost Lead with the implementation and maintenance of cost systems, procedures and templates
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of cost information from project teams, including EAC, ETC and actual costs
- Track actual costs against agreed cost control structures
- Support cost re baselining exercises, forecasts and budget updates
- Deliver earned value analysis, trend analysis and programme-level cost reporting
- Work closely with finance and commercial teams to ensure accurate accruals and contract cost performance
- Analyse change requests, ensuring costs are correctly coded and aligned to budgets
- Act as a point of contact for cost tool usage, providing user support and guidance where required
Key Stakeholders
- Project Managers
- Project Controls and Schedulers
- Change Control teams
- Reporting and PMO functions
About You
Essential:
- Degree-qualified (or equivalent) with membership of a relevant professional body
- Strong Excel and Microsoft Office capability
- Experience working within project controls on major or complex programmes
- Solid understanding of cost management, forecasting and earned value methodologies
- Hands-on experience with cost tools such as PRISM, EcoSys or Cobra
- Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail
- Confident communicating cost and performance data to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Proactive and comfortable thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Desirable:
- Knowledge of engineering, procurement, construction and industry-standard forms of contract
- Broader understanding of engineering and construction management gained through practical experience
Why Apply?
This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant infrastructure programme, offering long-term career development, exposure to complex programme controls, and a collaborative delivery environment.
Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 plus a comprehensive benefits package.
Cost Manager – Hybrid (Major Infrastructure Programme) employer: Conrad Consulting Ltd
Conrad Consulting is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the major infrastructure sector. With a hybrid working model that balances office presence in London and Suffolk with remote flexibility, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development opportunities. Joining our team as a Cost Manager means being part of a high-profile project that not only enhances your career but also contributes to significant national infrastructure advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Manager – Hybrid (Major Infrastructure Programme)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Cost Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of cost management methodologies and tools like PRISM or EcoSys. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past projects, as this will show you're not just book-smart but also practical.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get that interview, don’t just talk about your skills—show them! Bring examples of your work, like reports or analyses you've done, to demonstrate your experience with earned value analysis and cost control processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a leading consultancy in a major infrastructure programme.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Manager – Hybrid (Major Infrastructure Programme)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Cost Manager role. Highlight your experience with cost management, forecasting, and any relevant tools like PRISM or EcoSys. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of earned value methodologies and your collaborative spirit.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to provide examples of how you've successfully used your analytical skills in past projects. We love seeing how you’ve tackled complex problems and contributed to cost performance reporting.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Conrad Consulting Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost control and reporting. Brush up on key metrics like EAC, ETC, and earned value analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past projects to drive performance.
✨Showcase Your Tools
Familiarity with cost management tools like PRISM, EcoSys, or Cobra is essential. If you've used any of these, prepare to share specific examples of how you leveraged them to improve project outcomes. This will show your technical prowess and readiness for the role.
✨Collaboration is Key
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams, especially finance and project controls. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated cost data to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Stay Proactive and Adaptable
The infrastructure sector can be fast-paced and dynamic. Share examples of how you've thrived in such environments, showcasing your proactive approach to problem-solving and your ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
