At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage budgets, plan projects, and provide expert advice in construction.
- Company: Join the Education Authority, a leader in educational infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Four immediate vacancies across multiple locations with potential for future roles.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education by managing impactful construction projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying and relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 51356 £ per year.
The Education Authority wish to appoint 4 Cost Consultants (Construction) at the following locations: Ballee/Ballymena, Belfast & Armagh.
Contract Type: Permanent
Status: Full-Time
Working Pattern: 36 hours per week
Grade/Scale: Assistant Principal Officer | NJC pts 37 - 40 | £48,226 - £51,356 per annum
There are four immediate vacancies at present: 2 in Ballee/Ballymena, 1 in Belfast, and 1 in Armagh. Suitable applicants who are not appointed to these immediate vacancies will be placed on a reserve list which will remain valid for one year and may be offered similar appointments at the discretion of the EA during that period.
Job Purpose: The post-holder will be responsible to the Head of Service for the effective management and control of overall activities in MiCD and related administrative services using in-house staff and external consultants. The Cost Consultant is responsible for assisting in planning and programming the works, budgetary control, commissioning consultants, contract procurement and documentation, and for providing professional advice, information and support service to all departments. The post-holder will report to the CCT Service Manager but will also be required to work effectively with Head of Service/Senior staff across the Directorate and the EA. Through the delivery of comprehensive Cost Consultant support, the post-holder will contribute to the financial and performance management across the Operations & Estates Directorate.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Budgetary Control and Planning:
- To effectively manage all service budgets: To compile, monitor and control the expenditure in all major, minor, youth, SEP works capital budgets, facilities management budget, and energy budgets. To establish, implement and maintain effective monitoring, control and reporting systems on tenders and the letting of contracts.
- To effectively manage and ensure adequate planning for the delivery of the Authority's Capital and Revenue works programmes: To produce and distribute feasibility costs for all annual programme of works. To compile, implement, operate and review the programmes of work for all allocated budgets. To assist in identifying and compiling reserve programmes in the event of financial slippage and additional budget allocations. To identify schemes for consultant appointments and to ensure all consultants are commissioned to meet programme dates. To assist in the development and implementation of estate management information systems (Manhattan).
Essential Criteria:
- Have a Bachelor's Degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher in Quantity Surveying AND either:
- Be a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a minimum of three years corporate membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors OR
- Have a minimum of five years post-qualification experience working as a Quantity Surveyor or equivalent in a professional office.
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. Only completed applications will be considered. Closing Time: Wednesday 19 August 2026.
Cost Consultant (Construction) in Lisburn employer: Education Authority NI
The Education Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Northern Ireland that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong commitment to continuous improvement and transformational change, employees are empowered to lead impactful procurement initiatives while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. The role of Head of Construction Procurement not only provides competitive remuneration but also the opportunity to make a significant difference in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Consultant (Construction) in Lisburn
✨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 Education Authority NI, 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 Consultant (Construction) at Education Authority NI.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Consultant (Construction) in Lisburn
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 Education Authority NI
✨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!