Cost Engineer

Cost Engineer

Full-Time 51750 - 63250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Cooper Moss Rutland

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support cost control and reporting for major infrastructure projects.
  • Company: Join an award-winning consultancy passionate about transforming project controls.
  • Benefits: Up to £55,000 salary, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and professional development.
  • Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for rapid career progression.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while shaping the future of construction.
  • Qualifications: 2-3 years in cost engineering or project controls; strong Excel skills required.

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

We are currently seeking a Cost Engineer to join a dynamic, award-winning team. This role will support a major UK infrastructure programme, providing cost control, forecasting, reporting and project controls support across a complex, fast-moving delivery environment.

As a Cost Engineer, you’ll play a key role in supporting cost performance, helping to maintain accurate cost data, track project spend, analyse variances and provide clear reporting to support informed decision making. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with 2-3 years’ experience in cost engineering or project controls who is looking to develop within a major programme environment.

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.

  • Support cost control, forecasting and reporting activities across a major infrastructure programme.
  • Assist with the collation, analysis and reporting of cost information in line with project controls processes and governance.
  • Support the production of cost reports, dashboards, accruals, forecasts and variance analysis.
  • Work closely with project controls, commercial and delivery teams to help monitor cost performance and identify emerging risks or issues.
  • Review cost data and support the challenge of information where required to ensure accurate and realistic project updates.

About You

  • Essential: 2-3 years’ experience within cost engineering, cost control, project controls or a similar project environment.
  • Ability to communicate cost and performance information clearly to peers/managers.
  • Good attention to detail and skilled in interpreting and analysing cost data.
  • Experience of supporting cost reporting, forecasting, budgeting or variance analysis.
  • Good understanding of Project Controls and cost management principles.
  • Confident using Excel and cost/project reporting tools.
  • Desirable: Experience working on major infrastructure, energy, construction or highly regulated projects.
  • Knowledge of earned value, forecasting and cost performance reporting.
  • Knowledge of engineering, procurement, forms of contracts and construction generally.
  • Understanding of risk / schedule functions and their interface with cost.
  • Degree level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.

At CMR we have a strong culture driven by our 9 Core Principles. We look to build a community of people that have the same beliefs as we do!

Requirements and Location:

  • Full right to work in the UK
  • Hybrid / Bristol 2 days a week
  • Travel/ accommodation can be covered within reason

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. As we receive many applications to our roles, please include a short summary explaining why you want to join us and what you think you can bring to the team. 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.

Cost Engineer employer: Cooper Moss Rutland

At Cooper Moss Rutland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and development. As a BI Developer in Bristol, you'll have the unique opportunity to work on some of the UK's largest infrastructure projects, supported by experienced professionals in a flexible environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. With ongoing mentoring and exposure to industry-leading practices, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact while advancing their technical skills.

Cooper Moss Rutland

Contact Details:

Cooper Moss Rutland Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Cost Engineer

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 Cooper Moss Rutland, 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 Cost Engineer at Cooper Moss Rutland.

We think you need these skills to ace Cost Engineer

Cost Control
Forecasting
Reporting
Project Controls
Data Analysis
Variance Analysis
Attention to Detail

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 Cooper Moss Rutland

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!