At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Project Controls team to manage budgets and ensure projects stay on track.
- Company: Leading firm in the Nuclear, Defence, and Infrastructure sectors.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and daily travel perks for long commutes.
- Other info: Great opportunity for professional growth with a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major projects while developing your career in cost engineering.
- Qualifications: Experience in Cost Engineering or related fields; HNC or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location: Berkshire
Duration: 26 Weeks
Start: ASAP (subject to clearance)
IR35: Inside IR35
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Cost Engineer to join a major programme based in Berkshire. Working within the Project Controls team, you will be responsible for cost planning, cost control, forecasting, change management, risk management and financial reporting, helping ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets and contractual requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain project baseline budgets, cost breakdown structures (CBS) and control account plans.
- Monitor actual costs, commitments, accruals and forecasts.
- Produce Estimates at Completion (EACs), variance analysis and financial performance reports.
- Deliver Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting and performance measurement.
- Manage cost risk, contingency allowances and change control processes.
- Support project reviews, governance reporting and stakeholder decision-making.
- Ensure alignment between project schedules, cost plans and contractual requirements.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of project controls processes and reporting systems.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience in Cost Engineering, Cost Control, Project Controls or Quantity Surveying.
- Experience managing project budgets, forecasts and financial performance reporting on major projects.
- Strong Earned Value Management (EVM) knowledge.
- Experience with cost risk management, contingency control and change management.
- Strong understanding of the full project lifecycle.
- Excellent analytical, reporting and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within Nuclear, Defence, Infrastructure, Construction or Energy sectors.
- Knowledge of NEC, FIDIC, JCT or similar contract forms.
- Experience with quantitative risk analysis and cost modelling.
- Familiarity with ERP and project management systems.
Qualifications
Essential
- HNC (or equivalent) in Cost Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline.
Desirable
- Degree in a relevant subject.
- ECITB Level 5 Diploma (or equivalent) in Cost Engineering.
- Professional membership such as ACostE, APM or RICS.
Clearance & Requirements
- Must be eligible for SC Clearance.
- Candidates may start on BPSS, provided SC clearance is in progress.
- Must have lived and worked in the UK continuously for the last 5 years.
- CSCS/ECS card required prior to start.
Working Pattern
5 day week (no shift, no shift allowance) - Hybrid possible. 3 days per week on site (Thurs / Fri / Monday) and 2 days remote Capped as 12 on site, 9 remote 11 shifts on, 3 shifts off.
Additional Benefits
Workers travelling more than 30 miles to site will receive: £100 per day Per Diem (Umbrella).
Please click here to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.
To find out more about Progressive please visit TPBN1_UKTJ.
Senior Cost Specialist in London employer: Progressive Recruitment
As a leading engineering organisation in the nuclear infrastructure sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises safety and engineering excellence. Our Glasgow location offers a hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility while engaging in complex, meaningful projects that contribute to employee growth and development. We are committed to providing our team with opportunities for professional advancement, mentorship, and continuous improvement, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a significant impact in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Specialist in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Progressive Recruitment.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Progressive Recruitment appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Progressive Recruitment know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Progressive Recruitment is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progressive Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
