At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage project costs and ensure timely payments for materials and labour.
- Company: Major infrastructure contractor with a focus on collaboration and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, health care contributions, and 26 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on major infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost engineering or commercial roles within construction or infrastructure.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 34000 £ per year.
Salary: £32,000–£34,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: 40 per week – Monday to Friday – Fully Office-based
Location: West Midlands
Company pension scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Digital GP access
Death in Service – 4 x annual salary
26 days annual leave + bank holidays
Health Care contributions
Overview
We are seeking an organised and detail-driven Cost Engineer to support the Commercial, Delivery, and Finance teams for a major infrastructure contractor. In this role, you will play a key part in managing project costs, ensuring timely payment of materials, labour, plant, and subcontractor works, supporting project teams with accurate financial data, and maintaining Days Payment Outstanding (DPO) in line with business requirements. This role is ideal for candidates with experience in engineering, construction, or infrastructure projects, who can combine technical project knowledge with commercial acumen, working collaboratively with office-based teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Cost Control & Administration
- Support the cost control of labour, plant, and materials, working alongside QS/SQS teams.
- Track orders and regularly reconcile costs against project budgets.
- Process GRNs and PODs promptly, ensuring accurate approvals for payment cycles.
- Maintain DPO targets by ensuring timely and accurate payment processes.
- Collate, reconcile, and report cost data from records.
- Supplier, Subcontractor & Finance Liaison
- Resolve POD/invoice queries with suppliers, delivery teams, and finance departments.
- Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to verify hours, quantities, and rates.
- Ensure financial processes are followed and elevate non‑conformance where necessary.
- Act as a commercial interface for suppliers and subcontractors.
- Data, Reporting & Documentation
- Maintain and update labour, plant, and material trackers and schedules.
- Support weekly planned vs actual resource usage reporting.
- Organise and archive commercial documentation (digital and hard copy).
- Assist with cost reports, audit preparation, payment notices, and subcontractor evaluations.
- Safety, Ethics & Integrity
- Comply with company safety standards and business conduct guidelines.
- Promote a culture of safety, inclusion, and respect across all teams.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Experience as a Cost Engineer, Cost Clerk, or Commercial Engineer within engineering, construction, or infrastructure projects.
- Hands‑on experience working for contractors on civils, rail, or major infrastructure projects.
- Strong understanding of finance systems and cost administration.
- Experience producing financial and commercial reports.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel/Outlook) and working knowledge of PowerBI.
- Highly organised, detail‑focused, and able to prioritise effectively.
Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Cost Engineer / CE on major projects or 5 years’ experience in a commercial/cost role in a similar industry.
Desirable
- Membership of Acoste / AACEI / ICEC or similar body.
- Degree in Finance, Construction, Mathematics, Business, or related field.
- Knowledge of Copernic, Jade, Lisa, or similar cost control systems.
To apply for this role, send your CV through the link below and we will call you to discuss your experience, transferable skills, and your availability for interview.
Cost Engineer employer: CV Bay
Contact Detail:
CV Bay Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and construction sectors. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can meet potential employers or colleagues who might know of job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your skills as a Cost Engineer. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to cost control and project management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Engineer role. Highlight your experience in engineering, construction, or infrastructure projects, and showcase any relevant skills that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your proficiency in finance systems and cost administration. Mention your experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, as well as any knowledge of cost control systems like Copernic or Jade.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you about your experience and potential interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at CV Bay
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial data. Brush up on key metrics like Days Payment Outstanding (DPO) and be ready to discuss how you've managed costs in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams, so highlight your experience in collaborating with project teams, suppliers, and finance departments. Prepare examples of how you've resolved issues or improved processes through teamwork, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
Attention to detail is crucial for a Cost Engineer. During the interview, mention specific instances where your meticulous nature helped avoid costly mistakes or improved project outcomes. This will reinforce your fit for the role and show that you take pride in your work.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
Since proficiency in Microsoft Office and knowledge of cost control systems are essential, make sure you’re comfortable discussing your experience with these tools. If you’ve used PowerBI or similar software, prepare to share how you leveraged these technologies to enhance reporting and data management.