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-first culture.
- Benefits: Private healthcare, flexible working, performance bonuses, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant infrastructure projects while growing 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: Small enough to deliver, big enough to care. 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 Leeds 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, flexible working arrangements, and support for ongoing training, all within a collaborative environment in Leeds. Join us to make a meaningful impact on significant infrastructure projects while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Planner in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Cost Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CPC Project Services inside out. Understand their projects, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your responses and show them you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Cost Planner role. Highlight your background in rail and NEC contracts to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining CPC and contributing to their exciting growth journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Planner in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly 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 skills align with what we’re looking for!
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 you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:As a Cost Planner, strong analytical skills are key. In your application, provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles, especially in cost estimation and forecasting. We love seeing real-world applications of your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at CPC Project Services!
How to prepare for a job interview at CPC Project Services
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Planner, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost estimation and forecasting. Brush up on key metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles. Bring examples of your cost plans and forecasts to the interview.
✨Understand NEC Contracts
Since this role involves working under an NEC contract framework, make sure you have a solid understanding of these contracts. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated NEC contracts in past projects and how you can apply that knowledge to CPC's work.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This position requires strong communication skills, especially when engaging with multiple stakeholders. Think of instances where you've effectively collaborated with delivery teams or engineers. Practice articulating your approach to stakeholder management and how it has influenced project outcomes.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
CPC is looking for someone who can drive commercial strategy. Prepare to discuss how you've contributed to strategic decision-making in previous roles. Highlight your analytical capabilities and how they’ve helped shape successful project outcomes in complex environments.
