Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost control and forecasting for complex defence programmes.
- Company: Join a leading firm in defence infrastructure with a focus on project controls.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on large-scale projects while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost engineering and project controls, especially in defence or regulated sectors.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
You will take ownership of cost control across complex programmes, ensuring clear visibility between financial performance, programme delivery and decision making. This role places you at the centre of integrated project controls, working closely with planning, risk and commercial teams to ensure large scale programmes remain predictable, controlled and financially understood. You will operate at senior practitioner level within a project controls environment, using cost intelligence, forecasting and performance analysis to support programme leadership and governance across highly regulated delivery environments.
Must have eligibility:
- Sole British nationality with birth in the UK
- Eligibility for UK security clearance
- Experience working on defence or highly regulated infrastructure programmes
Rewards:
£70,000 to £85,000 plus car allowance and benefits.
What you will work on:
- Leading cost control and forecasting across complex defence infrastructure programmes
- Establishing and managing Cost Breakdown Structures aligned with programme delivery structures
- Developing cost baselines, budgets and integrated cost forecasts
- Producing Estimate at Completion and cost performance analysis
- Supporting earned value performance reporting and programme level dashboards
- Assessing cost impacts of programme change and emerging risks
- Working with planning teams to align cost profiles with programme schedules
- Providing cost intelligence and insight to programme leadership and governance boards
Skills and experience:
- Strong background in cost engineering, cost control or project controls roles
- Experience managing cost performance across complex infrastructure or defence programmes
- Understanding of earned value management and integrated project controls
- Practical experience working within NEC contract frameworks
- Experience producing cost forecasts, variance analysis and programme performance reports
- Ability to interpret financial and programme data to support senior decision making
- Familiarity with cost management systems such as EcoSys, PRISM, Cobra or equivalent
- Advanced Excel capability and experience producing clear reporting for stakeholders
Benefits and flexibility:
- Car allowance
- Private medical insurance
- Permanent health insurance
- Pension scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Cost Specialist in Birmingham employer: Electus Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
Electus Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Specialist in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Cost Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to cost control and project management. We suggest using the STAR method to structure your answers, showcasing your experience with cost forecasting and performance analysis.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work, like cost breakdown structures or performance reports, to demonstrate your expertise. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can take ownership of cost control in complex programmes.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Specialist in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Cost Specialist. Highlight your experience in cost control and project management, especially in defence or regulated environments. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your expertise in cost forecasting and performance analysis. Let us know why you’re excited about joining StudySmarter!
Showcase Relevant Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your familiarity with cost management systems and your advanced Excel skills. These are key for the Cost Specialist role. We love seeing candidates who can interpret financial data and provide insights that support decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Electus Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost control and forecasting. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. Use specific examples to show how your actions led to improved financial performance.
✨Understand the Frameworks
Familiarity with NEC contract frameworks is crucial for this role. Make sure you can explain how you've applied these frameworks in past projects. If you have experience with cost management systems like EcoSys or PRISM, highlight that too—it's a great way to show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
You'll be expected to interpret financial and programme data to support decision-making. Prepare to discuss how you've used data analysis in your previous roles, particularly in relation to earned value management. Bring along examples of reports you've produced and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role involves working closely with various teams, so it's essential to demonstrate your collaboration skills. Think of instances where you've successfully worked with planning, risk, or commercial teams. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure clear communication and alignment across different stakeholders.