At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage costs for major defence and infrastructure projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a leading firm in defence infrastructure 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 preferred.
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. 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.
Quantity Surveyor/Manager employer: Pegasus Search & Selection
Join a leading firm in the defence and infrastructure sector, where you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-profile projects that shape the UK's future. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will have clear pathways for career progression, alongside a collaborative work culture that values mentorship and innovation. Located in Derby/Nottingham, this role offers the unique opportunity to engage with complex projects while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Contact Details:
Pegasus Search & Selection Recruitment Team
