At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor project budgets, analyse costs, and provide financial insights for decision-making.
- Company: Join nLighten, a fast-growing European data centre provider focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Opportunities for career growth, impactful work, and a dynamic team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape cost management policies in a rapidly scaling data centre portfolio.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in cost management, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments. As a rapidly expanding provider, we offer scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe. Our innovative and sustainable approach to digital infrastructure ensures reliability, efficiency, and future-ready solutions for our clients. nLighten’s current footprint is 34 data centers in 7 European countries, with the ambition to grow to 100 sites during the next 3-4 years.
We are seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to provide dedicated support to our Project Controls and Regional Delivery teams in all matters relating to cost management. This role is focused on ensuring that project budgets are effectively monitored, cost estimates are accurate, and financial insights are delivered to support project decision-making. The Senior Cost Engineer will track actual expenditure, forecast costs to complete, review tender assessments, and maintain detailed cost reports to provide confidence that contracts are placed in line with approved scope and value for money. This is an important technical role requiring precision, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving business environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Review project actuals and estimate costs to complete specific tasks or project scope.
- Analyse cost variances and changes and provide actionable insights to project teams.
- Produce and maintain fully underpinned Estimates at Completion (EAC) for each project.
- Prepare and maintain cost reports to support EAC, ensuring alignment with key project milestones.
- Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Regional Delivery Leads, and other Cost Managers.
- Interact with planning teams to profile costs and ensure accurate financial forecasting.
- Support continuous improvement of cost management processes and documentation.
- Travel as required to project sites to validate data and align with local teams.
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 8 years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, or financial project control.
- Data center construction experience preferred.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret complex cost data.
- Proficiency in Excel, with experience creating and maintaining cost reports.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and adapt to evolving priorities.
- Excellent communication skills in English and the regional language.
- Proactive problem-solving approach and a can-do attitude.
- Degree-level education or relevant professional qualification preferred.
Why Join Us?
- High-growth environment: Be part of an expanding team with opportunities to grow laterally and vertically.
- Impactful role: Help shape cost management policies and processes for a rapidly scaling data center portfolio.
- Strategic influence: Work closely with project teams to deliver accurate financial insights.
If you have the right experience and are excited about contributing to the next evolution of edge data centers, we’d love to hear from you.
All selected candidates will undergo a background check to ensure a safe workplace, protect company assets, and comply with regulations.
nLighten is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Even if you do not meet every requirement listed, we welcome your application. We particularly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.
Senior Cost Engineer employer: nLighten
nLighten is an exceptional employer that thrives in a high-growth environment, offering employees the chance to grow both laterally and vertically within a rapidly expanding team. With a strong commitment to operational excellence and a focus on diversity and inclusion, employees can expect a supportive work culture that values their contributions and encourages innovative thinking. Joining nLighten means being part of a forward-thinking company dedicated to creating a sustainable digital future while providing meaningful and rewarding employment opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Engineer
✨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 nLighten, 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 Engineer at nLighten.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Engineer
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 nLighten
✨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!
