Project Cost Consultant

Gardiner & Theobald is an independent construction and property consultancy committed to providing world class service to our clients. Our dedicated team of over 1,300 people delivers Cost Management, Project Management and Specialist Consultancy services from a network of UK and US offices bound by a common purpose - to build a better tomorrow. We define our success by the value we create for our clients, the fulfilling careers we build for our people and our contribution to the communities we work in. Our own long‑term business performance aligns profit with purpose, taking social and environmental responsibility for our actions and the legacy we leave behind. People are central to our mission. Rewarding individuals based on their unique abilities, talent and hard work, we believe in the quality of experiences and investing in a collaborative culture where all can thrive.

We are currently looking for a Project Cost Consultant to support with the growth of the business and the continued delivery of world class service to our diverse client base. Our Cost Management teams work across a variety of sectors, offering you the chance to work on a wide variety of interesting and stimulating projects with no sector boundaries while our focus on training and development creates the perfect environment in which to progress your career. Working within a dedicated and dynamic cost team and reporting directly into senior leadership, this is an exciting opportunity to work on high profile projects across the built environment, including office, fit out and hospitality.

The ideal candidate will have experience as the day‑to‑day project lead and contact and who thrives on challenges and client facing roles, being both eager to learn and develop whilst also helping to drive forward our position as an industry leader. Your attention to detail, analytical skills and ability to collaborate with various stakeholders will be paramount to your success in the role and the overall success of the projects. There are also opportunities to be involved in the evolving role of cost management including market leading initiatives, utilising new software, use of Power BI, sector communities, specialist forums and business development.

As a Project Cost Consultant you will be part of a team managing pre and post contract activities ranging from managing procurements and project finances to undertaking estimates and ensuring that projects are delivered within budget constraints. You will begin to develop specialist knowledge and be responsible for a part of a project. You will be encouraged to support team members and play a part in growing the business through participation in the firm’s wider initiatives.

The key responsibilities of the role will include:

• Procurement
  • Understanding of core procurement and contract options
  • Ability to take market soundings, establish potential supply chain, report their results and develop inputs into procurement strategy.
  • Experience of developing and preparing a full suite of tender documents.
  • Ability to lead a tender evaluation process which may include, reviewing and analysing tender returns, chairing evaluation/consensus meetings and drafting Tender Reports for client approval.
  • Supporting with negotiating and collating contract documents with client teams and contractors.
  • Stakeholder engagement experience with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
  • Strong report writing, production and presentation skills including ability to use relevant role related software.
• Post‑Contract Cost Management
  • Ability to monitor construction budgets, preparing and presenting detailed cost reports, cashflow forecasts, and financial analysis to the team member or the client.
  • Experience of managing post‑contract change control (preferably JCT suite of contracts)
  • Undertake assessment of works completed for application for payments.
  • Negotiate and prepare final accounts.
  • Identify and assess potential risks associated with construction projects, developing strategies to mitigate and manage identified risks.
  • Provide proactive advice to project teams on risk‑related issues to avoid disputes and delays.
• Cost Planning, Estimating and Benchmarking
  • Ability to use CostX as a measurement tool.
  • Conduct accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including measurement and consideration of all project factors to inform rates throughout the design stage.
  • Knowledge and ability to prepare and deliver cost plans.
  • Analyse and evaluate the potential cost impact of design changes.
  • Undertake market testing of costs, including liaising with specialist subcontractors and suppliers.
  • Knowledge and ability to develop plans to analyse and to bridge gaps resulting from a benchmarking exercise.
  • Able to undertake detailed reconciliations tracking cost movement from stage to stage.

About You

• Degree qualified. MRICS preferred, but not essential. We will support the training required to gain your professional qualification.
• Pre and post contract experience.
• Experience of working under construction contract terms and conditions, preferably JCT Design & Build.
• Previous experience within a consultancy environment (desirable but not essential).
• Able to work on own initiative.
• A strategic thinker with broad problem‑solving skills.
• Experience working in a client focused environment with a personal commitment to the delivery of excellent client service.
• Able to demonstrate an understanding of market issues and events and their impact.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to get involved in business wide initiatives.
• Previous experience of Microsoft platforms.
• Can work closely with internal teams, the client, and project teams to ensure effective communication and coordination.

About Us

Collaboration, innovation, and support are at the core of everything we do. As a Project Cost Consultant, you will be joining a diverse team led by one of G&T’s equity partners and a board member. Our partner‑led model allows us to adopt bespoke approaches both in the service we offer to clients and in the development opportunities we offer our people. Within your team you will be given clear direction and positive encouragement at every turn, whilst our commitment to your career development and lifelong learning programmes ensures you have the support, as well as the tools to thrive. Forward thinking and future focused, we champion social mobility, ethical governance, equality and diversity, creating an inclusive environment where everyone’s unique talents and experiences are valued. Our ESG goals are at the forefront of our business plan, and we are proud to have created social value worth over £19m+ since 2021. Our initiatives include the G&T ESG Committee, dedicated to increasing opportunities and removing barriers for social mobility and equality within the firm, as well as our Next Gen programme which focuses on nurturing the next generation in the industry. Our commitment to realising a more sustainable future is witnessed not only through helping our clients meet their own next zero carbon aspirations but also by reaching our own, with an aim for our firm to be net zero by 2030.