Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost planning and manage multiple high-profile infrastructure projects.
- Company: Established construction consultancy focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape project outcomes and drive business growth in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified with experience in cost consultancy and strong NEC contract knowledge.
- Other info: Opportunities for mentorship and career progression in a forward-looking company.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are recruiting on behalf of an established, independent construction consultancy seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to support continued growth within its Infrastructure team. This is a senior opportunity for a commercially astute Cost Consultant who wants to work on complex, high-profile infrastructure schemes - with a current emphasis on aviation - while playing a visible role in shaping both project outcomes and team development.
The business operates across multiple sectors, giving you exposure to varied, technically demanding projects within major infrastructure environments.
The Opportunity
You will sit within a dedicated and high-performing cost team, reporting into senior leadership and acting as a key client interface on significant schemes. This role suits someone who is confident as the day-to-day project lead, comfortable operating in complex stakeholder environments, and motivated by both delivery and business growth. You’ll be entrusted with managing multiple projects, overseeing fee income, resource planning and team performance, while contributing to recruitment and wider business initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Pre-Contract & Strategic Cost Advisory
- Lead cost planning and estimating through feasibility, concept and developed design stages
- Develop order of cost estimates and strategic cost advice to inform investment decisions
- Produce and manage detailed cost plans aligned to RIBA stages
- Advise on procurement route selection and contract strategy
- Develop packaging strategies and lotting structures within constrained infrastructure environments
- Undertake value engineering and option appraisals
- Carry out benchmarking and market testing to validate assumptions
- Support business case development and funding approvals
- Contribute to risk workshops and develop quantified risk allowances
- Engage with supply chain partners during early contractor involvement (ECI) where applicable
- Provide commercial input into programme development and phasing strategies
- Advise on affordability, funding constraints and whole-life cost considerations
- Strong working knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 and other core contract forms
- Development of procurement strategies aligned to client objectives
- Market engagement, supplier assessment and bid strategy input
- Delivery of compliant procurement exercises under PCR 2015 / UCR 2016
- Understanding of the Procurement Act 2023
- Preparation of full tender documentation suites
- Leading tender evaluation processes and drafting client reports
- Negotiation and collation of contract documentation
- Senior stakeholder engagement and presentation delivery
- Management of project budgets and validation of costs against benchmarks
- Assessment of contractor payment applications
- Preparation of cost reports, cashflow forecasts and financial analysis
- Change control management including compensation events and claims (NEC experience preferred)
- Final account negotiation and agreement
- Contract administration across varying forms and levels of complexity
- Management of formal communications (Early Warnings, PMIs, Compensation Events etc.)
- Project close-out including defect management, warranties and financial completion
- Development and management of detailed project budgets
- Monitoring Cost of Work Done (COWD) and variance reporting
- Preparation and presentation of cost plans
- Detailed cost estimating across design stages
- Use of specialist estimating tools and data systems
- Market testing of rates and subcontractor engagement
- Benchmarking analysis and gap assessment
- Financial impact assessment of design changes
- Identification and mitigation of commercial and delivery risks
- Proactive advisory support to project teams
- Contribution to risk registers and contingency management
About You
- Degree qualified
- MRICS preferred (support provided if not yet chartered)
- Circa five years’ experience delivering full pre- and post-contract QS services on projects exceeding £5m
- Strong NEC contract experience
- Consultancy background highly desirable
- Experience in complex live environments (aviation and rail preferred)
- Commercially aware with understanding of current market conditions
- Proven leadership capability and team development experience
- Track record of managing fees, supporting recruitment and contributing to business growth
- Confident communicator with strong report writing and presentation skills
- Experience with Microsoft platforms; SAP or similar cost systems desirable
Why This Role?
You’ll be joining a consultancy that places collaboration, innovation and professional development at the centre of its operating model. Senior leadership remains close to projects, allowing for clear direction and meaningful mentorship rather than remote oversight. The business is forward-looking, with a clear focus on sustainability, social value and ethical governance. ESG is embedded into the wider business strategy, and the organisation is actively working towards net zero targets while supporting clients in achieving theirs.
You will have the autonomy expected at Associate / Senior Associate level, combined with structured support and genuine progression opportunities - particularly valuable in today’s constrained infrastructure talent market. If you’re operating at Associate level and looking for broader influence, or currently Senior Associate and ready for greater strategic input, this is a strong opportunity to step into a visible, growth-oriented role within a respected consultancy environment.
Cost Consultant in London employer: Pegasus Search & Selection
Contact Detail:
Pegasus Search & Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Consultant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. 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 its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of a Cost Consultant. Highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage complex projects confidently.
✨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 Consultant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Consultant role. Highlight your experience with NEC contracts and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in aviation or rail. We want to see how your skills align with 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 passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your leadership experience and how you can contribute to our team’s growth.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've managed budgets or improved project outcomes. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pegasus Search & Selection
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Consultant, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost planning and estimating. Brush up on your knowledge of RIBA stages and be ready to discuss how you've developed detailed cost plans in previous roles. Bring examples of your work that showcase your ability to manage budgets effectively.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role involves engaging with various stakeholders, so it's crucial to highlight your communication skills. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments, particularly in high-pressure situations. This will show your potential employer that you're confident and capable.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since this position requires managing multiple projects and leading teams, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've contributed to team development and supported recruitment efforts. This will help illustrate your capability to drive business growth and mentor others.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Being commercially aware is key for this role. Research current market conditions and trends in the infrastructure sector, especially related to aviation. Be ready to discuss how these factors influence cost management and procurement strategies, showing that you can provide valuable insights to the team.