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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a new cost intelligence capability in a major energy organisation.
- Company: Join a leading energy and infrastructure company focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rate, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cost estimation and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost estimation and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
Overview
Job Title: Cost Intelligence Manager
Location: Warwick (Hybrid – 2-3 days per week onsite)
Contract: 12 months (potential extension)
Pay Rate: 600 per day via umbrella (Inside IR35)
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Cost Intelligence Manager to play a pivotal role in building a new cost intelligence capability for a major infrastructure and energy organisation. This is not a traditional cost control or commercial role – it\’s a strategic transformation position focused on designing and delivering cost estimation platforms, libraries, and digital tools to improve transparency and decision-making on major capital projects.
You\’ll bring deep infrastructure expertise, hands-on solution-building skills, and the ability to engage stakeholders across the business to shape a function that will become critical to future investment decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Solution Design & Build: Develop cost libraries, reference pricing models, and digital cost intelligence platforms for large-scale capital projects.
- Strategic Transformation: Define and implement a new operating model for cost estimation and intelligence.
- Data & Analytics: Use advanced Excel, pricing tools, and analytics (Power BI, SQL, Python, R) to design robust methodologies for cost capture and reporting.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with business leaders, project managers, and commercial teams to drive alignment and adoption.
- Governance & Risk: Establish clear frameworks for data quality, compliance, and auditable cost practices.
- Continuous Improvement: Enhance processes and grow the cost intelligence database with lessons learned and external market data.
Candidate Profile
Must-Have Experience
- Strong background in infrastructure or construction industries (energy, utilities, transport, major capital projects).
- Proven experience building cost intelligence solutions (e.g. estimation platforms, libraries, reference pricing models).
- Track record of leading or contributing to transformation programmes, ideally with digital cost estimation tools.
- Advanced Excel and pricing tool capability, with exposure to analytics (Power BI, SQL, Python, R).
- Consulting background (Big 4 or similar) with expertise in cost modelling, data-driven decision support, and stakeholder management.
Nice-to-Have
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks in utilities or infrastructure.
- Experience embedding governance, risk management, and compliance into cost estimation.
- Comfortable working in ambiguous, evolving environments and shaping new functions from the ground up.
Not Suitable
- Candidates with only finance/commercial backgrounds focused on recording/challenging costs.
- Candidates from digital transformation who lack infrastructure exposure.
- Candidates without hands-on cost solution development experience
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, we may retain your details for future suitable opportunities.
Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone\’s chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
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Cost Intelligence Manager employer: Pontoon
Contact Detail:
Pontoon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Intelligence Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work in cost estimation or project management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨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 how your skills can help shape their cost intelligence capabilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in cost estimation and transformation aligns with their needs. We want to hear how you can drive consistency and efficiency in their processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Intelligence Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Intelligence Manager role. Highlight your experience in cost estimation and any relevant projects you've worked on. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in cost intelligence and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, make sure to highlight your experience with data management and risk analysis. We love seeing how you've used these skills in previous roles to drive improvements.
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pontoon
✨Know Your Cost Estimation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cost estimation and pricing models. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in detail, especially any transformation projects you've led. This will show that you understand the role and can bring valuable insights.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical mindset. Bring examples of how you've used data management tools or methodologies in past roles. Highlight any experience with risk management and how you've tackled challenges in ambiguous environments.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Think about how you can illustrate your stakeholder engagement skills. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your ability to collaborate across departments and gain buy-in for your initiatives. This is crucial for a role that involves building a centralised cost intelligence platform.
✨Be Ready for Questions on Continuous Improvement
Expect questions about how you drive enhancements in processes. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and how you've expanded databases or tools in previous roles. This will highlight your proactive approach to the job.
