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- Tasks: Manage project costs, prepare budgets, and analyse financial data for a high-value redevelopment project.
- Company: Join a leading firm in the defence sector with a focus on secure infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, private healthcare, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal and professional development with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant projects while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost management, budgeting, and advanced Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Cost Manager to support a high-value redevelopment project on a secure defence infrastructure site in the South West of England. This role plays a key part in managing, controlling, and forecasting project costs, ensuring delivery within budget while meeting programme and quality requirements in a highly regulated environment.
Security Requirement: Due to the nature of the project, candidates must be eligible to obtain BPSS clearance. Additional security vetting may be required.
Contract & Working Pattern
- Contract: 42.5 hours per week
- Location: South West England
- Site attendance: Minimum 3 days per week on site
- Salary: £50,000 – £75,000 (dependent on experience)
Benefits & Package
- Subsistence (subject to eligibility):
- Approx. £56 per night
- Nights in temporary accommodation: tax free
- Nights at home: taxable
- Permanent home address and temporary accommodation required
- Approx. £1,680 per month before tax
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare accurate cost estimates and establish realistic project budgets
- Analyse cost data, forecast expenditure, and produce financial reporting
- Administer payments, variations, compensation events, and claims
- Support procurement activities and negotiate best value within the supply chain
- Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and cost risks
- Review costs, invoices, and change orders to ensure accuracy
- Communicate clearly with stakeholders, contractors, and suppliers
- Integrate cost management within wider project controls and programme delivery
- Apply strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and regulations
Skills & Experience Required
- Strong knowledge of cost management and financial principles
- Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
- Sound understanding of NEC4 contracts
- Excellent numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- High level of attention to detail
- Strong communication and negotiation capability
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Advanced Excel skills (essential):
- Macros / VBA
- Pivot Tables and advanced data analysis
- Lookup and logical functions (INDEX/MATCH, XLOOKUP, nested IFs)
- Power Query and data modelling
- Dashboard creation and reporting
Security & Eligibility
- Must be BPSS clearable
- Right to work in the UK required
- Further clearance may be required depending on project scope
Cost Manager in Plymouth employer: Oyster Communications
Contact Detail:
Oyster Communications Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Manager in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Cost Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to cost management and project budgeting. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it’ll help you showcase your skills effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your Excel skills! Be ready to demonstrate your advanced knowledge during interviews. Bring examples of how you've used Excel for budgeting and forecasting in past projects.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Manager in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Manager role. Highlight your experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of NEC4 contracts. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your previous projects, your analytical skills, and how you can contribute to managing costs effectively. Let us know your passion for the industry!
Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since advanced Excel skills are essential for this role, make sure to showcase your expertise. Mention specific functions you’re comfortable with, like Pivot Tables and Power Query. We love seeing candidates who can handle data like pros!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about StudySmarter and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oyster Communications
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on key financial principles and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to control costs and deliver projects within budget.
✨Master the NEC4 Contracts
Familiarise yourself with NEC4 contracts, as they are crucial for this role. Be prepared to explain how you've applied your understanding of these contracts in past projects. This will show your potential employer that you can navigate complex contractual frameworks effectively.
✨Excel Like a Pro
Advanced Excel skills are essential for this position. Make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with macros, pivot tables, and data analysis functions. Consider preparing a small demonstration or example of how you've used Excel to manage project costs in the past.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in this role, especially when liaising with stakeholders and suppliers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where effective communication helped resolve issues or negotiate better terms in your previous roles.