At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management for exciting laboratory and research projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic Life Sciences & Research Cost Management team in Oxford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative science environments with world-class clients.
- Qualifications: Chartered status or working towards it, with QS experience in complex facilities.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our Life Sciences & Research Cost Management team is expanding in Oxford, and we’re looking for a Project Cost Manager to lead commercial management for complex laboratory, research, and specialist science environments. This is an opportunity to work closely with world‑class national and international clients, supporting the delivery of new builds, refurbishments, and fit‑outs within operational scientific settings.
This position suits an experienced Quantity Surveying professional who thrives on managing every stage of the commercial process in technically demanding, regulated projects — from initial cost planning and procurement, through to on‑site cost management and final account closure. You’ll be involved in a diverse range of projects, including flagship research facilities and fast‑track science programmes.
Role Accountabilities- Take full responsibility for commercial management across assigned projects, overseeing cost plans, cash flow analysis, and forecasting throughout the project lifecycle.
- Develop detailed cost estimates, feasibility studies, and benchmarking analyses tailored to the unique demands of life sciences and laboratory projects.
- Manage tender processes, evaluate contractors, and negotiate commercial terms to secure best value.
- Oversee valuation and payment applications, administer variations, and ensure stringent cost control at every stage.
- Maintain and update project risk registers and change control logs, providing proactive commercial insights to clients and multidisciplinary teams.
- Produce clear, concise commercial reports and cost projections for client presentations and strategic decisions.
- Work collaboratively with design and delivery teams to identify value engineering opportunities and manage cost risks.
- Champion the use of digital tools (such as CostX and 5D BIM) to enhance accuracy and efficiency in cost management and benchmarking.
- Mentor and support junior QS team members, contributing to the continuous improvement of processes and best practice within the team.
- Chartered status (MRICS preferred) or working towards professional qualification.
- Demonstrable QS experience on laboratory, research, or highly serviced (MEP‑intensive) facilities.
- Strong background in cost planning, forecasting, procurement, and contract administration.
- Excellent commercial acumen, with hands‑on experience resolving cost challenges and managing project variations.
- Effective communicator, comfortable presenting financial positions to clients and contractors alike.
- Familiarity with digital cost management platforms (e.g., CostX, 5D BIM) and benchmarking is advantageous.
- Willingness to provide support across Oxford, as well as Cambridge, London, and other locations as required.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We believe that by working together diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we improve quality of life and we work closely with our people across six ED&I Workstreams: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success.
Project Cost Manager - Oxford employer: Poutrix
Join our expanding Life Sciences & Research Cost Management team in Oxford, where we prioritise a collaborative and inclusive work culture that fosters professional growth and innovation. As a Project Cost Manager, you'll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with world-class clients while benefiting from mentorship, continuous improvement initiatives, and the use of advanced digital tools to enhance your expertise. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that every employee can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Cost Manager - Oxford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects, especially in cost management for complex environments. Be ready to share specific examples!
✨Be Prepared for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research the company, understand their projects, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We recommend preparing some thoughtful questions to ask them too — it shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Cost Manager - Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Project Cost Manager role. Highlight your experience in cost management, especially in laboratory or research settings, and don’t forget to mention any digital tools you’ve used like CostX or 5D BIM.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our needs. Be specific about your experience with cost planning and managing project variations.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Project Cost Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with clients and contractors. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully presented financial positions or resolved cost challenges in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Poutrix
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Project Cost Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost planning and forecasting. Brush up on your numerical skills and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets and forecasts in previous projects. This will show that you can handle the financial aspects of complex laboratory environments.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when presenting financial positions to clients and contractors. Prepare to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider practising with a friend or mentor to refine your delivery and ensure you can convey complex information in an understandable way.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools
Since the job mentions the use of digital tools like CostX and 5D BIM, make sure you're familiar with these platforms. If you have experience using them, be prepared to discuss how they’ve enhanced your efficiency in cost management. If not, do a bit of research to understand their functionalities and benefits.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in cost management. Think about past challenges you've encountered, how you resolved them, and what the outcomes were. This will help you illustrate your commercial acumen and ability to manage project variations effectively.
