At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost planning for major rail infrastructure projects and influence commercial strategies.
- Company: CPC Project Services, an award-winning independent consultancy with a people-focused culture.
- Benefits: Private healthcare, pension scheme, hybrid working, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Join a growing team with excellent career growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant infrastructure projects while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating and strong understanding of NEC contracts required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Here at CPC we are seeking an experienced Cost Planner to join a major rail infrastructure programme based in Leeds. This is far more than a traditional estimating role. It’s a strategic, client-facing cost planning position embedded within a live, high-value delivery environment, working under an NEC contract framework on complex infrastructure works. You will play a key role in shaping commercial outcomes across major work packages — providing cost intelligence, forecasting, and pricing input that directly influences how the programme is delivered. This is a role for someone who wants to be close to the action, not on the side lines — helping drive commercial strategy on one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure programmes.
About CPC Project Services
At CPC Project Services, we’re an award-winning, independent Project Management and Cost Consultancy with over 36 years’ experience delivering high-quality infrastructure, property and transformational change projects across the UK. We became employee-owned in 2024, placing our people firmly at the heart of the business. That means a culture built on ownership, pride, and genuine influence, where you are empowered to shape both the work you deliver and the direction of the company. We are currently on a clear growth journey towards £100m turnover by 2033, making this a genuinely exciting time to join our expanding Commercial Services team. Our Commercial Services function works across a diverse portfolio of flagship programmes in Rail, Aviation, Highways and Local Authority sectors, giving you exposure to some of the most high-profile and technically complex infrastructure projects in the UK. This is a chance to join a growing team where your work will directly contribute to nationally significant infrastructure outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support cost planning activities across major rail infrastructure work packages
- Develop, maintain and interrogate robust cost estimates, forecasts and cost plans across the project lifecycle
- Support pricing strategy and commercial decision-making within an NEC contract environment
- Contribute to risk, value and change management processes
- Work closely with delivery teams, engineers, and commercial stakeholders
- Provide cost assurance, benchmarking and challenge to support governance and approvals
- Support forecasting cycles, reporting and wider commercial controls
- Ensure alignment between cost planning, programme delivery and project controls
About You
We are looking for someone with strong infrastructure experience who is confident operating in a complex, delivery-focused environment. Strong experience in estimating, background in rail, civils or major infrastructure projects, strong understanding of NEC contracts, comfortable working in a consultancy or client-side environment, strong commercial awareness and analytical capability, able to engage confidently with multiple stakeholders on live programmes, proactive, detail-driven, and comfortable influencing commercial decisions.
Location & Working Pattern
Based in Leeds (short walk from the station). Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office (Tuesday–Thursday). Collaborative, programme-led environment with long-term project stability.
Why CPC?
At CPC Project Services, we offer more than just a competitive salary — we provide a benefits package that supports you both at work and beyond. Highlights include:
- Private healthcare for you and your family (including dental and optical)
- Private pension scheme
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Travel insurance (including winter sports) for you, your partner, and dependants
- Support with professional memberships and ongoing training
We also believe great work deserves recognition. That’s why we offer a personal performance bonus and annual salary reviews, ensuring your contribution is recognised as we achieve our goals together.
Diversity & Inclusion
CPC is an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing an inclusive environment for professional growth and development.
Next Steps
If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact on major rail and infrastructure projects while further developing your career within a growing, people-focused consultancy, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV or reach out for a confidential discussion.
Cost Planner in Bradford employer: CPC Project Services
CPC Project Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee ownership and empowerment, fostering a culture of pride and influence. With a commitment to professional growth, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare and support for ongoing training, all within a collaborative environment in Leeds. Join us to make a meaningful impact on significant infrastructure projects while enjoying the stability and recognition that comes with being part of our expanding team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Planner in Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the rail and infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with NEC contracts and complex infrastructure projects. Share specific examples of how you've influenced commercial outcomes in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that excites you, don’t just wait for the application process to open. Reach out directly to the company through our website, express your interest, and ask about upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your knowledge of cost planning and risk management processes. Be ready to discuss how you would approach cost assurance and benchmarking in a live project environment. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Planner in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Planner role. Highlight your experience in rail and infrastructure projects, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with NEC contracts. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your analytical skills and commercial awareness. We’re keen on candidates who can engage confidently with stakeholders, so give us examples of how you’ve done this in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your relevant experience and achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CPC Project Services
✨Know Your NEC Contracts
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of NEC contracts before the interview. Understanding the nuances of these contracts will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your readiness to engage in commercial decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Infrastructure Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in rail, civils, or major infrastructure projects. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to cost planning and forecasting in a live environment.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, practice how you would communicate effectively with them. Think of scenarios where you had to influence decisions or manage expectations, and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Research current trends in the rail and infrastructure sectors. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the industry will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the field, which is crucial for shaping commercial outcomes.
