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- Tasks: Lead cost management on complex healthcare and life sciences construction projects.
- Company: Established multidisciplinary consultancy with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, professional development support, and health initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare projects while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; chartered status preferred.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The Senior Cost Manager will work on complex healthcare, NHS and life sciences construction projects, including new-build and refurbishment schemes. Projects typically include laboratories, clinical environments and specialist science facilities, delivered through traditional and design and build procurement routes from feasibility through to completion.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Leading the delivery of full quantity surveying and cost management services across multiple projects
- Preparing and reviewing estimates and cost plans using NRM methodologies
- Leading procurement and tender processes, including tender documentation and value for money reports
- Negotiating contract terms and conditions under NEC and JCT forms on behalf of clients
- Managing contracts from appointment through to final account
- Undertaking and reviewing monthly valuations and assessments for payment
- Managing construction phase cost control, including variations, change management and negotiations with contractors
- Producing and presenting cost reports, cashflows and financial forecasts to clients and stakeholders
- Supporting business cases and cost submissions for public sector and NHS funding approvals
- Attending site meetings and coordinating closely with project managers, designers and contractors
- Actively leading value engineering and risk management activities, including structured risk workshops
- Managing and mentoring junior quantity surveyors and cost managers
- Managing delivery of QS services within agreed fee levels and identifying potential scope or fee changes early
Desired Skills and Experience
- Strong experience in a senior quantity surveying or cost management role
- Proven delivery of healthcare, life sciences or complex construction projects
- In-depth knowledge of UK procurement routes and contract forms
- Experience managing two-stage and competitive tender processes
- Excellent commercial awareness and financial management capability
- Confidence leading client meetings and managing key stakeholders
- Ability to manage workload independently while supporting team development
Qualifications/Educational Requirements
- Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline
- Chartered status (MRICS, MCIOB or equivalent) is preferred
- A full UK driving licence is advantageous
Employing Company Overview and Profile
The employer is a well-established multidisciplinary construction and property consultancy operating across the UK and internationally. The business specialises in delivering technically complex projects within regulated sectors such as healthcare, life sciences and education. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation and professional development, the consultancy offers employees exposure to high-quality client-side projects, structured career progression and a supportive working culture. A full client overview will be given to shortlisted candidates.
Additional Benefits Package and Incentives
- Hybrid working – WFH
- Flexible working arrangements
- Support towards ongoing professional development and chartership
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
- Inclusive and supportive workplace culture
Senior Cost Manager in Didcot employer: Maxim Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Maxim Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Manager in Didcot
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, especially those in healthcare and construction. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your experience with complex projects and your knowledge of procurement routes. Bring along examples of your work or case studies that demonstrate your skills in cost management.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since you'll be managing contracts and leading client meetings, practice articulating your approach to value engineering and risk management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated challenges in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Senior Cost Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Manager in Didcot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Cost Manager role. Highlight your experience in healthcare and life sciences projects, as well as your knowledge of UK procurement routes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to lead cost management services and mentor junior team members.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to illustrate how you’ve successfully managed costs and delivered value on previous projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maxim Recruitment
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of healthcare and life sciences projects the company works on. Familiarise yourself with NRM methodologies and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Cost Manager, you'll be leading teams and managing client relationships. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in mentoring junior staff and leading successful cost management services. Be ready to discuss how you handle client meetings and stakeholder management.
✨Be Prepared for Technical Questions
Expect questions about procurement routes, contract forms like NEC and JCT, and your approach to managing construction phase cost control. Brush up on your knowledge of these areas and think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenges.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
The employer values strong commercial awareness, so be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets, negotiated contracts, and delivered value for money in past projects. Highlight any experience you have with public sector funding approvals, as this will be particularly relevant.
