At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management for a major UK energy infrastructure project and improve financial governance.
- Company: Join a high-performing team in a significant national infrastructure programme.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for leadership and mentoring in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a complex, high-profile energy project while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost management and project controls within large-scale infrastructure projects.
Security Clearance Required: BPSS Clearance (Mandatory)
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Cost Manager to join a major UK infrastructure programme supporting one of the country's most significant large-scale energy construction projects. Working within the Central PMO / Project Controls function, you will play a critical role in leading and continuously improving the project's Cost Management framework, ensuring robust financial governance, high-quality reporting, and best-in-class project controls across a complex mega-project environment.
This position is suited to a highly experienced cost professional with strong expertise in major capital projects, programme controls, forecasting, governance, stakeholder engagement, and leadership within large delivery organisations.
As Senior Cost Manager, you will work closely with the Cost Lead and wider Project Controls leadership team, helping drive the strategic development and execution of all cost management processes across the programme. You will provide oversight, assurance, and leadership across cost management activities, ensuring robust governance while supporting a strong "Digital by Default" approach through effective use of systems, data, and reporting tools. This role requires confidence operating within a highly complex, high-value programme environment with significant exposure to executive stakeholders and governance forums.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Cost Lead in ensuring adherence to cost management procedures, guidelines, and governance frameworks
- Provide oversight and assurance across all project cost management activities throughout the programme lifecycle
- Deliver accurate and timely month-end cost reporting, performance data, and financial insights
- Analyse cost performance and provide meaningful "so what" insights to support decision-making
- Act as the first line of assurance for cost data submitted by programme delivery teams
- Ensure cost systems are accurately maintained in line with reporting cycles and programme cadence
- Act as escalation point for programme cost leads on day-to-day operational issues
- Support continuous improvement of the Cost Management Framework across the programme
- Collaborate with project controls and delivery teams to ensure integrated planning and reporting
- Drive digital transformation and improvement of cost management tools and processes
- Maintain accurate forecasts, including approved changes, trends, and forecast impact analysis
- Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, and insights for senior leadership and governance boards
- Deputise for the Cost Lead, including running Cost Steering Committees when required
- Support development of team capability through mentoring and professional development
About You
We are seeking an experienced project controls professional with a strong background in large-scale infrastructure or mega-project environments.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience in Cost Management within major capital delivery programmes
- Strong understanding of Project Controls principles and integrated programme governance
- Experience managing both client and supply chain scope within complex delivery environments
- Strong technical capability in cost forecasting, budgeting, reporting, and change control
- Experience delivering assurance activities within a project controls function
- Ability to produce high-quality reports and executive-level presentations
- Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and governance boards
- Proven leadership experience, including supporting and developing teams
- Ability to work independently in a complex, fast-paced programme environment
Qualifications
Degree or equivalent qualification in one of the following (or related) disciplines:
- Business Analysis
- Accounting
- Finance
- Construction Management
- Engineering
- Project Management
Additional Information
BPSS Clearance is mandatory for this role and must be obtained/held prior to or at start date. Expenses subject to prior approval and travel policy.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant infrastructure programme, working within a high-performing project controls environment on one of the UK's most complex and high-profile energy projects.
Senior Cost Manager - Site Delivery Programme in Ipswich employer: Mane Contract Services
Join a leading organisation at the forefront of the UK's energy infrastructure, where you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. As a Senior Cost Manager, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages innovation and excellence, while playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of major capital projects. With access to cutting-edge tools and a commitment to continuous improvement, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a nationally significant programme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Manager - Site Delivery Programme in Ipswich
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Mane Contract Services, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Cost Manager - Site Delivery Programme at Mane Contract Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Manager - Site Delivery Programme in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mane Contract Services
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
