At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management for a major infrastructure programme, ensuring projects stay on budget.
- Company: Join a leading player in the UK infrastructure sector with a collaborative team.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on large-scale projects while developing your career in project controls.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Cost Lead in Project Controls and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54090 - 66110 £ per year.
Our client, a major player in the UK infrastructure sector, is seeking an experienced Cost Lead to join their Project Controls function on a contract basis. This is a key role supporting the delivery of a large-scale infrastructure programme, with responsibility for cost management, reporting, and forecasting across the project lifecycle.
The Role
- Working within an established Project Controls team, you'll take the lead on cost control activities, ensuring accurate reporting and providing the insight needed to keep delivery on budget.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading cost management across the programme, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
- Producing clear, accurate cost reports and dashboards for senior stakeholders
- Monitoring commitments, actuals, and accruals, and maintaining cost baselines
- Supporting change control, risk, and value management processes
- Working closely with planning, commercial, and delivery teams to ensure alignment of cost and schedule
- Driving continuous improvement in cost control processes and reporting standards
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Cost Lead / Cost Manager within a Project Controls environment
- A track record of delivering on major infrastructure projects (essential)
- Water sector experience is highly desirable, though not a requirement
- Strong cost forecasting, reporting, and analytical skills
- Confident engaging and influencing stakeholders at all levels
- Relevant systems experience (e.g. cost management / ERP tools) and advanced Excel
Contract Details
- Rate: £600 per day (Inside IR35)
- Location: Reading – hybrid working, 1-2 days per week on site, remainder remote
- Type: Contract
How to Apply
To apply or find out more, please submit your CV via this advert or contact Martin Stanley at Pace Global for a confidential discussion.
Cost Lead in Slough employer: PACE Global
As a Power BI Reporting Specialist, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation and collaboration within the dynamic nuclear sector. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have ample opportunities for growth and skill enhancement. With a focus on meaningful projects and a supportive team culture, we offer a rewarding environment where your contributions directly impact major infrastructure initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Lead in Slough
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like PACE Global.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like PACE Global appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Lead in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting PACE Global know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what PACE Global is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at PACE Global
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
