Senior Cost Engineer

The Senior Cost Engineer plays a critical role in delivering cost control and management activities across a contract. This position provides detailed cost performance analysis to the Project or Contract Manager and key stakeholders, covering actuals, budgets, forecasts, variances, trends, and associated risks. Reporting to the nexos Lead Cost Engineer, the Senior Cost Engineer ensures timely, high-quality cost reports and deliverables, while also fostering strong working relationships with client project controls counterparts. In some instances, the role may also oversee other Cost Engineers or trainees, and will support the Lead Cost Engineer with contract-specific tasks and reporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Attend all contract-related cost meetings, ensuring each session is well-structured and productive.
• Lead the process of establishing and regularly monitoring baseline budgets and forecasts.
• Verify the accuracy and alignment of estimates with project goals before issuing them to clients or actioning procurement requests.
• Identify, analyze, and report risk, change, growth, and variation across the contract.
• Produce routine cost reports in line with both business and client expectations, incorporating narrative, earned value analysis, value of work done, progress metrics, and risk assessment.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing when appropriate.
• Step in for other Cost Engineers when directed by the Lead Cost Engineer, while maintaining compliance with standard cost control procedures and templates.
• Support periodic audits to ensure the consistent application of cost control standards.

Leadership and Team Support:

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and constructive challenge.
• Engage with the team to share best practices, motivate colleagues, and contribute to a supportive, professional working environment.
• Contribute to the development of junior team members through mentoring, coaching, and, where applicable, performance management.

Accountabilities:

• Ensure a high standard of cost control service and professional behaviour across the contract.
• Communicate key issues, developments, and requests for support to the Lead Cost Engineer.
• Accountable for the effective application and documentation of cost control processes, maintaining close collaboration with project controls, planning, estimating, and document control teams.

Experience and Qualifications:

• A minimum of five years’ experience in cost control or financial management, ideally within engineering, construction, or a related sector.
• A degree in Business, Finance, or Cost Engineering is preferred.
• Expert-level skills in Microsoft Excel, along with experience using cost management systems such as SAP or Oracle Finance.
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to lead meetings and deliver effective presentations.
• Commercial awareness and business planning experience are important.
• Prior exposure to facilitation and the development of procedures or work instructions would be advantageous.

What We Offer:

This permanent, full-time position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic team environment. You will contribute to complex, high-profile projects, benefit from a culture that values professionalism and development, and have access to support for your own career growth. We believe diversity drives innovation and creativity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. Join us in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.