At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project delivery in health and life sciences, managing costs from start to finish.
- Company: Join Lexica, a leading consultancy transforming environments in health and science.
- Benefits: Inclusive work culture, ongoing learning opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and help shape the future of healthcare and science.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management; strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Other info: Agile environment with excellent career growth and support for local charities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Lexica is a leading specialist consultancy, transforming environments for clients in health and life sciences. From June 2025 Lexica is a member of WSP (UK) Ltd and will be fully integrated into the organisation by Jan 2026. We are helping organisations to become more efficient and effective in the core sectors that we work in; whether improving patient pathways for the NHS, developing laboratories to facilitate world‑leading science, or rationalising educational campuses to attract the highest calibre students and research investment.
As a Graduate Cost Manager, you will support the delivery of projects across the health and life sciences sectors and be part of a dynamic team responsible for providing full cost management services from initial feasibility through to completion on complex refurbishments and new‑build schemes. You will help to deliver robust cost plans, support procurement and tendering, administration of contracts, and ensuring strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle. You will work closely with NHS Trust, science clients, and design teams.
What we expect from you:
- Assist in the cost management of projects through the entire project lifecycle
- Assist in preparation of estimates, cost modules and cost plans
- Assist with the preparation of pricing schedules, tender and contract documentation
- Undertake monthly assessments for payment
- Construction phase cost management including attending site meetings, negotiating and agreeing variations with the contractor and preparing the monthly cost report to the client
- Assist with cost reports, presenting to stakeholders, and supporting the preparation of business cases for public funding approval
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in Quantity Surveying/ Commercial Management
- A desire to develop your career and become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor
- Understanding of project controls and financial management, importance of maintaining accurate reporting across all project stages and ensuring compliance with client funding requirements and audit standards
- Strong communication, ability to perform client‑facing duties and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
- Commercial awareness, a logic thinker, who works efficiently and accurately to high standards
What makes Lexica a great place to work:
At Lexica, you'll work in a supportive and inclusive work environment, with access to ongoing learning and development opportunities. If you share our commitment to Professionalism, Innovation, Knowledge and Collaboration, joining Lexica is the way to make a real difference. We work in an agile and inclusive environment bringing our expertise to each project. We are at our best when we work together to help others and have supported many local and national charities over the years. You will be joining an ideas‑driven culture that embraces new perspectives to solve complex problems.
Graduate, Cost Manager employer: Lexica
Contact Detail:
Lexica Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate, Cost Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health and life sciences sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lexica and understanding their projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in improving patient pathways and developing laboratories. This will help you show genuine interest and align your skills with what they need.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Graduate Cost Manager, you'll need to present cost reports and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Role-play interview scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Lexica and being part of their journey in transforming environments for clients.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate, Cost Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Graduate Cost Manager role. Highlight relevant experiences, skills, and education that align with what we’re looking for at Lexica. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the position!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you want to join Lexica and how your background makes you a great fit. Be sure to mention your passion for health and life sciences – we love that!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your studies or previous work to show how you’ve successfully managed costs or worked in teams. We want to see your potential!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lexica
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Graduate Cost Manager, you'll be dealing with estimates and cost plans. Brush up on your numerical skills and be ready to discuss how you would approach cost management for a project. Think about examples from your studies or internships where you successfully managed budgets or costs.
✨Understand the Sector
Lexica operates in health and life sciences, so it's crucial to show that you understand these sectors. Research recent developments or challenges in the NHS or scientific research environments. This will help you demonstrate your interest and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams, so highlight your communication abilities. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in group projects or during internships. Be ready to discuss how you would present cost reports to stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Being commercially aware is key for this role. Think about how you can show your understanding of financial management and project controls. You might want to prepare a few thoughts on how you would ensure compliance with client funding requirements and audit standards in your future role.