At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage costs for major defence and infrastructure projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a leading firm in the defence sector with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Must be a UK national and eligible for Security Clearance.
- Why this job: Work on high-profile projects that make a real difference in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in Cost Management or Quantity Surveying; degree or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are looking for experienced Cost Management professionals to join a growing team supporting the delivery of major infrastructure and defence programmes across the UK. Opportunities are available at Cost Manager, Senior Cost Manager and Associate level, depending on your experience. You'll play a key role in delivering technically complex, high-value projects from inception through to completion, working alongside multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative environment.
Projects range from multi-million-pound infrastructure schemes through to nationally significant defence programmes, offering long-term career development and the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most important construction projects.
Please note: Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be sole UK nationals and be able to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC).
Location: Derby / Nottingham – approximately 3-4 days per week on client site in Derby with flexibility to travel occasionally to other UK project locations where required.
The Role: Whether you're an established Cost Manager looking for your next challenge or an experienced Senior Cost Manager or Associate ready to lead client relationships and mentor teams, this is an opportunity to work on complex, high-profile programmes within the defence sector. You'll provide commercial and cost management expertise across the full project lifecycle, supporting clients with robust commercial advice while helping ensure projects are delivered successfully against cost, programme and risk objectives. Those joining at Associate level will also take a leading role in client engagement, team development and business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Cost Management: Prepare and manage cost plans throughout all project stages. Produce estimates, benchmarking and cost analysis to support informed decision making. Monitor project expenditure and report against approved budgets. Manage forecasting, cost reporting and financial performance throughout delivery. Prepare, negotiate and agree final accounts.
- Commercial & Contract Management: Provide commercial advice across complex infrastructure and construction programmes. Lead or support procurement strategies, tender documentation and contract award processes. Administer contracts and manage change control, compensation events and variations. Ensure compliance with NEC and JCT forms of contract. Manage commercial risk and identify opportunities to improve project outcomes.
- Client & Stakeholder Management: Build trusted relationships with clients, contractors and project teams. Present commercial recommendations and cost reports to senior stakeholders. Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to drive successful project outcomes. At Associate level, lead client accounts, develop new opportunities and contribute to business growth.
- Leadership & Development: Mentor and support junior members of the team. Share best practice and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. At Senior Cost Manager and Associate level, provide technical leadership, oversee project delivery and support the development of the wider team.
Requirements
- Essential: Demonstrable experience in Cost Management or Quantity Surveying within construction, infrastructure, engineering or defence environments. Strong understanding of cost planning, procurement, contract administration and post-contract cost management. Experience working with NEC contracts (JCT experience also beneficial). Excellent commercial awareness, analytical skills and stakeholder management experience. Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
- Desirable: Chartered (MRICS) or working towards chartership. Experience delivering projects within defence, infrastructure, nuclear or other highly regulated sectors. Knowledge of UK Government procurement processes and frameworks. Experience using industry cost management software and advanced Excel. Previous experience managing client relationships and leading teams, particularly for Senior Cost Manager and Associate appointments.
Additional Requirements: Must be a sole UK national currently residing in the UK. Eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC). Willingness to work on client site in Derby / Nottingham approximately 3-4 days per week. Flexibility to travel to other UK project locations as required.
What's on Offer: Work on nationally significant defence and infrastructure programmes. Clear career progression from Cost Manager through to Associate and beyond. Exposure to technically complex, high-value projects. A collaborative and supportive team environment with excellent professional development opportunities. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Cost Manager in Derby employer: Pegasus Search & Selection
Join a dynamic team as a Cost Manager in Derby/Nottingham, where you'll engage in delivering high-profile defence and infrastructure projects that are vital to the UK. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, offering clear career progression and mentorship opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. With a focus on complex, multi-million-pound schemes, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact while working in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Pegasus Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Manager in Derby
✨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 Pegasus Search & Selection, 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 Cost Manager at Pegasus Search & Selection.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Manager in Derby
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 Pegasus Search & Selection
✨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!
