Cost Engineer

Howdens is currently recruiting for a Cost Engineer to join our Central Engineering Department at our site in Howden, East Yorkshire. As a Cost Engineer, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the financial direction of our capital investment programme. Working within the Central Engineering Department, you'll report directly to the Head of Site Development and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to drive real business value.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of complex financial processes and bring clarity, insight, and control to our portfolio of engineering projects. You’ll enjoy the autonomy to improve systems and reporting, while contributing to a highly collaborative and supportive culture that’s focused on progress, precision, and performance.

What will you be doing as a Cost Engineer:

As a Capital Projects Cost Engineer, you’ll be responsible for managing the financial lifecycle of engineering-led capital projects. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Partner with project managers and engineers to build detailed and accurate project budgets.
• Creating and maintaining cash flow models to ensure financial health and foresight.
• Performing cost analysis, managing change control processes, and maintaining alignment with approved budgets.
• Conducting cost and risk analysis, leading risk workshops, and developing mitigation strategies.
• Delivering regular cost reports, pricing studies, and variance analyses to senior teams and stakeholders.
• Overseeing the financial status of the project portfolio, including post-project evaluations and benchmarking.
• Working with the finance team on reporting, business case development, purchase orders, and invoice processing.
• Supporting procurement activities, validating supplier quotes, and managing cost aspects of contracts.
• Developing and enhancing financial tracking, reporting methods, and supporting SMART business objectives.

What do you need to qualify for the Cost Engineer role:

We’re looking for a detail-driven, commercially aware individual with a passion for numbers and process improvement. To thrive in this role, you’ll need:

• Proven experience as a Cost Engineer, Cost Manager, or in a similar financial control role within engineering, construction, or manufacturing.
• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Strong skills in financial forecasting, budgeting, cost control, and variance analysis.
• High proficiency in Excel (essential) and working knowledge of SAP (preferred).
• Experience working with commercial contracts, procurement teams, and supplier negotiations.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills with an eye for detail.
• Confidence in presenting data to stakeholders and driving decision-making through financial insight.
• The ability to work independently, handle multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

What we can offer:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• Free daily meal at on-site canteen
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays per year & opportunity to buy extra holidays.
• Share save scheme
• Exceptional reward and recognition events

About Howdens:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.2 billion sales made last year.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to Apply:

We are shaping a future where exceptional service, innovation, and sustainability are at the core of everything we do. If you're looking for a place where you can grow and advance your career, Howdens could be the perfect fit. Join a team that prioritises innovation, safety, and excellence. If you're ready to lead impactful projects and drive meaningful change, we encourage you to apply today.

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Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.