At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage costs on major infrastructure projects and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
- Company: Leading independent engineering firm with a rich history and innovative approach.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, private healthcare, pension contributions, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and contribute to groundbreaking projects while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost control and familiarity with NEC contracts preferred.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a clear path for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Cost Controller to support the MEP package on a major infrastructure project, delivered under an NEC3 Option C Target Cost subcontract. This role is key to ensuring costs are accurately captured in line with the Schedule of Cost Components (SCC) and effectively forecast to protect project margin within the pain/gain mechanism.
Key Responsibilities (Essential)
- Managing Defined Cost & Disallowed Cost
- Ensure all costs comply with SCC / Short SCC
- Correctly code timesheets, plant records and supply chain invoices
- Identify and flag disallowed costs early (inefficiencies, non-compliance, corrected defects)
- Maintaining Target Cost & Pain/Gain Position
- Track Actual Defined Cost vs Target Cost
- Identify early warnings impacting the target
- Forecast final cost and expected pain/gain outcome
- Budget Control & Forecasting
- Produce weekly / monthly cost reports
- Maintain Forecast to Completion (FTC)
- Conduct variance analysis
- Monitor labour, plant utilisation and supply chain performance
- Audit Readiness & Record Keeping
- Maintain open-book NEC audit records
- Manage supporting documentation (timesheets, plant logs, delivery tickets, site diaries)
- Ensure clear records supporting fee calculations, compensation events and disallowed costs
Desirable Experience
- Compensation Event (CE) Support
- Assist with CE quotations and SCC cost breakdowns
- Track CE approvals and target adjustments
- Maintain supporting cost build-up evidence
- Supply Chain Cost Validation
- Review supply chain invoices against SCC rules
- Ensure correct mark-ups and fee percentages
- Maintain documentation for audit compliance
Background & Experience
- Experience working with NEC contracts (ideally NEC3 Option C)
- Background in commercial, cost control or project controls within construction, engineering or infrastructure
- Experience working alongside commercial teams and quantity surveyors
This will be a full time, permanent, site based position with options for hybrid working.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
- Pension with leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution
- Private healthcare
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme supporting mental health and wellbeing (including counselling and legal advice)
- Employee discounts
- Personal development programme
- Flexible benefits package
- London travel allowance
Next Steps:
As a business, we are on a journey to build on our culture where everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. This starts with recruitment and how we bring people into the organisation. We will do our best to outline the recruitment process to you ahead of time with plenty of notice. If you require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
About Us:
We are one of the leading independent engineering and services businesses in the UK. Founded in 1921, with a turnover of £500m and 3000 employees, we are proud of our history of developing great people through our investment in training. Working across a variety of sectors within the building and infrastructure industry, our innovative, responsible and forward-thinking approach allows us to work on fantastic ground-breaking projects, providing solutions using the latest tools and technologies. Progression is something we value, and we will make sure that when you join us you have a clearly defined development path, supported by regular reviews, training and ongoing support to enable you to be the best you can be.
Cost Controller employer: NG Bailey
Contact Detail:
NG Bailey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Tailor your answers to show how your skills as a Cost Controller can directly benefit their operations. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your responses. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Cost Controller role. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When writing your application, highlight any experience you have with NEC contracts or cost control in construction. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background aligns with what we're looking for. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at NG Bailey
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Controller, you'll need to be on top of your game with numbers. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed costs in previous roles. Familiarise yourself with the Schedule of Cost Components (SCC) and be prepared to explain how you ensure compliance.
✨Showcase Your Experience with NEC Contracts
Since this role involves working with NEC3 Option C contracts, make sure you highlight any relevant experience you have. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully navigated the complexities of these contracts and how you contributed to maintaining target costs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios related to cost control. Think about how you would handle disallowed costs or manage variances. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, especially when working alongside commercial teams and quantity surveyors. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with others to achieve project goals, particularly in terms of budget control and forecasting.