At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare cost estimates, budgets, and assist with project management.
- Company: Join RLB, a leader in the built environment with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and wellness options.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and mentorship from industry experts.
- Qualifications: RICS-accredited degree in Quantity Surveying or related field required.
- Other info: Diverse projects and a commitment to inclusivity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Department: Cost Management
Location: Reading (With Hybrid Working)
RLB is a great place to start your career in the built environment. We’re proud of how we guide, mentor and support people from the earliest stages of their careers, laying the foundations for their future success. Our Future Professionals programme is designed to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. This two‑year development scheme provides structured training, hands‑on project experience, and mentorship from chartered professionals to help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to progress in your career. Participants receive mentoring and training focused on both soft and technical skills to achieve their career and chartership goals. We foster an inclusive culture with hybrid and flexible working arrangements and family‑friendly policies to support employee wellbeing. Join us and thrive personally as well as professionally.
Why RLB? At RLB, we live by four simple ideas: Truth, Trust, Together, Tomorrow. These values are at the heart of RLB and a place where People Make Progress.
Key Responsibilities
As a Graduate Cost Manager, you will join our structured Graduate Development Programme, designed to support your journey towards achieving chartership with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The programme combines hands‑on project experience, technical training, and mentorship from experienced professionals to help you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to progress in your career. You will gain exposure to all aspects of cost management within a consultancy environment, working across a variety of projects and sectors.
- Preparing cost estimates, budgets, and cost plans.
- Assisting with feasibility studies and benchmarking.
- Supporting the preparation of tender and contract documents.
- Conducting cost analysis and value engineering exercises.
- Monitoring and reporting on project costs throughout the project lifecycle.
- Supporting the assessment and valuation of variations and change control.
- Assisting with the preparation of final accounts.
- Engaging with clients, contractors, and design teams under the guidance of senior colleagues.
- Maintaining accurate project records and data.
- Participating in internal and external project meetings.
- Supporting the team with research, reporting, and best practice development.
Qualifications
- A RICS-accredited degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline (essential).
Behaviours
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage workload, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Eagerness to learn and develop within a consultancy environment.
- Proactive approach to problem‑solving.
- Team player with the confidence to contribute ideas.
- No prior technical experience required – full training and support provided.
RLB Employee Benefits
Our culture is built around enabling you to fulfil your potential, with benefits that include:
- Hybrid Working with patterns to support work‑life balance, plus competitive maternity and paternity packages.
- A competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement, with the option to purchase up to five extra days.
- Focus on wellbeing with health and wellness options, including gym membership and cycle to work schemes.
- Private healthcare insurance and medical support, including dental insurance and eye care vouchers.
- Continuous learning and development programmes, including APC and in‑house mentoring schemes.
- A wide range of benefits including a season ticket loan and professional membership subscriptions.
- Diverse project exposure across sectors and regions.
- Social responsibility through team events, charity fundraising and volunteering activities.
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment
We believe in building a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves, feel valued, and be supported to reach their full potential. Our talent strategy aims to overcome bias in the construction industry by recruiting, retaining, developing and promoting a diverse workforce. For reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@uk.rlb.com
Assistant Cost Manager (Graduate) in Wokingham employer: Rider Levett Bucknall RLB
Contact Detail:
Rider Levett Bucknall RLB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cost Manager (Graduate) in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching RLB and understanding their values. We want to see your passion for cost management and how you align with our principles of Truth, Trust, Together, and Tomorrow. Show us you’re ready to thrive in our culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your soft skills! As an Assistant Cost Manager, communication is key. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨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 the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cost Manager (Graduate) in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Assistant Cost Manager role. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects from your RICS-accredited degree that showcase your numerical and analytical skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how you embody our values of Truth, Trust, Together, and Tomorrow, and why you’re excited about joining the Graduate Development Programme.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: While technical skills are important, don’t forget to highlight your communication and interpersonal skills. Share examples of teamwork or problem-solving experiences that demonstrate your proactive approach and eagerness to learn.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rider Levett Bucknall RLB
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Cost Manager, you'll be dealing with budgets and cost estimates. Brush up on your numerical skills and be ready to discuss how you would approach cost analysis or prepare a budget. Practising some sample calculations can really help you feel confident.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
RLB values candidates who are eager to develop their skills. Be prepared to share examples of how you've taken the initiative to learn something new, whether in your studies or through personal projects. This shows you're proactive and ready to grow within the consultancy environment.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with RLB's core values: Truth, Trust, Together, Tomorrow. Think about how these values resonate with you and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this culture. Showing that you align with their ethos can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Graduate Development Programme, mentorship opportunities, or the types of projects you might work on. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if RLB is the right fit for you.