Project Cost Controller Manager - Defence

We have an exciting opportunity for a Cost Controller (Project Controls Engineer Grade) to join our growing Defence South East team. You’ll play a key role in delivering cost control and performance management services across a portfolio of high-profile projects and programmes. This is a dynamic and rewarding role that offers you the opportunity to work at the forefront of UK Defence.

As part of our award-winning Cost Control and Project Controls community, you’ll collaborate with experienced professionals, contribute to innovative solutions, and benefit from a strong network of knowledge-sharing and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to advance your career in the Defence sector with Turner & Townsend - where your expertise will help shape the future of UK Defence.

• Work collaboratively with project delivery teams as part of a wider cost control function, or independently with support from experienced cost professionals.
• Implement, administer, and maintain cost control systems and procedures to monitor project budgets, commitments, expenditures, and forecasts.
• Support the development and maintenance of a robust, integrated Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) in collaboration with the Integrated Project Team, ensuring alignment with the change control process.
• Assist in the creation of Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) and align time‑phased budgets with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to enable accurate cost tracking and control.
• Prepare accruals to ensure timely and accurate reflection of the Actual Cost of Work Performed (ACWP) in project cost data.
• Develop and maintain cost tracking tools as needed, and generate regular cost reports, including Earned Value Analysis (EVA) to assess project performance.
• Provide cost input to support the development of Change Requests, participate in change control boards, and integrate approved changes into the project baseline.
• Update project forecasts to maintain an accurate and comprehensive Estimate to Complete (ETC).
• Deliver timely and accurate cost information to support project status reporting, performance management, and informed decision‑making by project leadership.

• Proven experience in cost control and project controls within complex, large‑scale infrastructure or Defence sector programmes.
• Strong understanding of cost management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, accruals, earned value management (EVM), and cost performance analysis.
• Proven ability to build and maintain trusted advisor relationships with clients, contributing to long‑term partnerships and repeat business.
• Experience coordinating contractors, consultants, and advisors across multiple, concurrent projects, ensuring alignment and delivery against programme objectives.
• Practical experience using Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications for cost tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Proficiency in Cost Management tools and software, such as ECOSYS, PRISM, COBRA or similar platforms.
• Awareness of how cost control integrates with other project controls disciplines, including scheduling, risk management, reporting, and change control—with the ability to collaborate effectively across these functions.

• Experience working with UK Government departments and agencies, particularly on complex infrastructure or capital investment programmes.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary project teams, fostering collaboration and delivering successful outcomes through strategic direction and influence.
• Broader project management expertise, including change management, stakeholder engagement, and governance across the project lifecycle.

• Must hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK Ministry of Defence Security Clearance (SC or higher); UK passport required.
• Degree qualified in a relevant technical, engineering, or management discipline, or possess equivalent professional qualifications and demonstrable experience in Cost Control.
• Membership of a recognised professional body such as the Association for Project Management (APM) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
• A UK driving license or the ability to travel to client sites across the region as required is essential.

• Security Requirements: Be a sole British National; Hold a valid UK passport.
• Hybrid Working: Home, a Turner & Townsend office, and client sites across the region (on a weekly basis). We embrace a hybrid approach to work. This means you may collaborate with colleagues from these locations and travel when required typically 2‑3 days per week.
• Your Growth & Wellbeing: Competitive packages with a range of benefits reviewed annually; Meaningful, high impact work; Lifelong learning and development; A supportive, people‑focused culture; Recognition for your contribution.

We believe in balance, sustainability and creating a workplace where you can truly belong. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our success. We’re proud of a culture where people with different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds come together to achieve excellence. When everyone feels they belong, everyone thrives.

SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.