Senior Cost Analyst

Type: FTE

Location: Farringdon, London. (On-site)

Salary: DOE

About the Opportunity

GemPool Recruitment is seeking a highly skilled Senior Cost Analyst to join a leading organisation in the data centre industry. This is an exciting opportunity to work on large-scale projects, supporting cost analysis, cost management, and cost control activities. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring accurate cost reporting and forecasting while collaborating closely with multiple teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support Project Commercial Managers and Project Directors in developing project cost plans.
• Track and report planned versus actual project costs, identifying and explaining variances accurately and promptly.
• Develop cash flow projections and manage invoicing relationships to ensure a smooth financial process.
• Liaise with project and management teams to resolve cost-related issues.
• Aggregate cost plans across projects to provide a consolidated group-level view, ensuring accurate reporting and impact assessment.
• Conduct Earned Value analysis and provide in-depth financial insights.
• Ensure the integrity of cost data input into monthly reports, collaborating closely with investment and finance teams.
• Present cost reports and key financial insights at management meetings.
• Ensure compliance with project control requirements and suggest improvements where necessary.
• Validate and analyse cost reports from project cost management leads and external cost partners.
• Assess supply chain data to enhance cost forecasting and accuracy.
• Deliver detailed cost variance analysis, root cause evaluations, and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC) reviews in collaboration with project teams.
• Monitor contingency budgets and support proactive cost management strategies.
• Provide data-driven cost trend insights to project teams.
• Contribute to benchmarking studies and historical cost data analysis.

Required Experience & Skills:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Cost Analysis, Cost Engineering, Commercial Management, or Quantity Surveying.
• Strong knowledge of project controls and cost management software.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and MS Office Suite.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with the ability to work independently and within a team.
• In-depth experience with cost forecasting, variance analysis, and cost reporting methodologies.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and contractual frameworks.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical), Science, Mathematics, Project/Business Management, or related fields.
• Understanding of the Data Centre industry and market dynamics.
• Project Management certification (e.g., APMP) or membership in a relevant professional body.
• Experience with coaching and mentoring teams.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to project sites across the UK.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to high-value projects within a rapidly growing industry. If you have the expertise and drive to excel in this role, we would love to hear from you!