Cost Administrator

Cost Administrator

Temporary 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Mane Contract Services Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Maintain accurate project cost records and support the commercial team.
  • Company: Join a leading company in construction and infrastructure.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable experience and work within a supportive team.
  • Other info: Fixed-term contract with opportunities for growth and learning.
  • Why this job: Make an impact on major projects while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in cost administration and strong attention to detail required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We are currently seeking an organised and detail-focused Cost Administrator to join our commercial team on a 12-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in construction, civil engineering, utilities, or infrastructure projects who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in maintaining accurate project and cost records.

Working closely with Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, and Site Teams, you will play a key role in supporting the commercial function by ensuring project costs are accurately allocated, recorded, and monitored throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date project cost records.
  • Process and allocate labour, plant, vehicle, material, and subcontractor costs to the correct project codes.
  • Chase and receive allocation sheets from Site and Project Managers.
  • Manage delivery notes received from site and ensure costs are allocated correctly within company systems.
  • Prepare weekly timecards for weekly paid employees.
  • Upload and maintain project documentation, including allocation sheets and delivery notes, within SharePoint.
  • Support the commercial team with project cost reporting and administration.
  • Liaise with Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, and Site Teams to resolve cost queries and discrepancies.
  • Ensure commercial records are maintained accurately within CPA, Oracle, and other internal systems.
  • Assist in maintaining effective document control and project compliance processes.

About You

We're looking for someone who is highly organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple tasks and priorities.

Essential Qualifications

  • Previous experience in a Cost Administrator, Commercial Administrator, Project Administrator, or similar role.
  • Experience working within construction, civil engineering, utilities, infrastructure, or engineering environments.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
  • Experience working with cost management, ERP, or project management systems.
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills.
  • Ability to build effective working relationships with both site and office-based teams.

Desirable

  • Experience using Oracle, CPA, or similar cost management systems.
  • Experience using SharePoint.
  • Understanding of commercial and project cost management processes.

What's on Offer

  • Opportunity to work within a supportive and experienced commercial team.
  • Exposure to major construction and infrastructure projects.
  • Valuable experience within a well-established business.
  • Fixed-term contract with an immediate impact on key project delivery activities.

Cost Administrator employer: Mane Contract Services Limited

Join our dynamic commercial team as a Cost Administrator, where you'll thrive in a supportive environment that values accuracy and attention to detail. With exposure to major construction and infrastructure projects, this role offers valuable experience and the chance to collaborate closely with skilled professionals, ensuring your growth and development within a well-established business. Enjoy the benefits of working in a fast-paced setting that prioritises teamwork and effective communication, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

Mane Contract Services Limited

Contact Details:

Mane Contract Services Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Cost Administrator

Get Your Foot in the Door

Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.

Leverage Community Connections

Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.

Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio

Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Mane Contract Services Limited.

Apply Directly at Construction Sites

Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Mane Contract Services Limited appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.

We think you need these skills to ace Cost Administrator

Cost Management
Project Administration
Attention to Detail
Microsoft Excel
Oracle
CPA
SharePoint

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!

Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.

Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Mane Contract Services Limited know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.

Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Mane Contract Services Limited is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mane Contract Services Limited

Show Off Your Safety Knowledge

In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.

Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios

Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.

Flexibility is Key

Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!

Highlight Your Previous Experience

Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.