At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage cost forecasting and reporting for major construction projects.
- Company: Join a values-led organisation focused on safety and integrity.
- Benefits: Real ownership of your work, supportive leadership, and innovative culture.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and accessibility.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on high-profile projects and improve performance visibility.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost control within construction and advanced Excel skills.
Are you a proven Cost Controller (construction/major projects) who can take ownership of cost control and forecasting, and influence time-and-cost outcomes through clear, credible reporting? Do you have strong cost management systems experience, advanced Excel capability, and the confidence to produce KPIs, cost/value reconciliations, and budgeting insights that project and commercial teams actually use? This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a key project controls position where your work will directly shape commercial decisions, improve performance visibility, and strengthen delivery on a high-profile programme.
The Opportunity
Join a values-led organisation operating on complex, safety-conscious projects, where integrity, accountability and continuous improvement are genuinely embedded in day-to-day delivery. You’ll be supported by experienced commercial leadership, given real ownership of your workstream, and trusted to innovate and improve how cost and performance information is captured, controlled and communicated.
The Role
As Cost Controller, you will support the project leadership and commercial team by managing, administering and maintaining cost forecasting and cost management processes. You’ll develop and run effective controls that improve visibility of cost/time/performance, and you’ll be the go-to person for accurate reporting, reconciliation and meaningful insight.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing project cost forecasting and cost management systems
- Developing practical control systems to support cost, time and performance management
- Planning, developing, controlling and forecasting project budgets and cost performance
- Coordinating and submitting KPI information, liaising internally to secure timely and accurate inputs
- Supporting monthly internal cost/value reconciliation and assisting with payment applications and client reporting requirements
- Advising project teams on cost coding and budgets to support requisitions and subcontract orders
- Supporting a strong HSQE culture in line with project and business expectations
You will have the following qualifications & experience:
- Proven experience within the construction (or similar project delivery) environment, with strong exposure to cost control / cost management systems
- Strong working knowledge of construction-related costing systems and accounting practices
- Expert ability to manipulate data and produce clear, decision-useful reporting (including advanced Excel)
- Proven attention to detail with strong analytical and organisational skills
- Confident communicator, able to engage effectively with project, commercial and client stakeholders
- A relevant technical qualification (e.g., quantity surveying, civil engineering, or similar)
If this sounds like the right next step for you, please apply now or get in touch with Gill James to discuss the opportunity in confidence.
Millbank Holdings Ltd is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, and we are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process for everyone. If you require any adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Millbank operates as both an Employment Agency and an Employment Business.
Cost Controller employer: Millbank Holdings
Millbank Holdings Ltd is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the UK's Best Big Companies to Work For, offering a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative culture, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while working on diverse site services equipment in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. The company prioritises safety and continuous improvement, ensuring that you can thrive in your role as a Site Services Engineer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Controller
✨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 Millbank Holdings, 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 Cost Controller at Millbank Holdings.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Controller
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 Millbank Holdings
✨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!
