At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting utility projects and shape commercial strategies in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join RLB, an independent, employee-owned firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, generous holidays, and wellness options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent personal and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the utilities sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; experience in utility infrastructure required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
At RLB, we live by four simple ideas: Truth, Trust, Together, Tomorrow. Four values that live at the heart of RLB. A place where People Make Progress. We value your skills, talents and unique perspectives – we think they are priceless. Bring them to RLB and you’ll be empowered to shape our future and your career in new and meaningful ways. We’ll give you opportunities to work on some of the most ambitious and exciting projects currently being designed and developed in the built environment sector. You’ll continue to learn and advance as everyone who works for us is provided with a tailored training programme. Our mentoring and reverse mentoring schemes will enable you to share your expertise while gaining fresh insights.
What makes RLB unique is our inclusive culture. As an independent, employee-owned business, teamwork and collaboration lies at the heart of everything we do. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies are just some of the ways we invest in employee wellbeing. Join us and you will thrive personally as well as professionally.
Our Utilities Consultancy team is built around three integrated specialisms: Commercial management, Project Delivery, and Technical/Regulatory service. The Commercial function provides strategic advice and cost/commercial management services across regulated and non-regulated utility environments, supporting high-value infrastructure and digital asset projects. We are seeking experienced individuals to strengthen and grow our Commercial Utility Consultancy team. The role will suit a commercially astute, client-facing individual with deep knowledge of utility procurement, infrastructure cost modelling, and lifecycle commercial strategy. The role will involve you shaping our market positioning, supporting major bids, and embedding commercial best practice across utility and energy programmes. The role demands high-level strategic thinking, hands-on leadership, and the ability to influence both client-side and internally at RLB. There are critical leadership roles available which will contribute to RLB’s ambitious growth within the utilities sector.
Role Responsibilities:
- Support the successful delivery of projects within the Utilities sector.
- Pre and Post Contract Quantity Surveying.
- Strategic cost planning and management.
- Procurement and contract administration.
- Financial reporting and risk management.
- Stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
- Benchmarking and market intelligence.
- Systems and process improvement.
- Compliance and governance.
- Contribute to the financial performance of projects and the wider business, including revenue and profitability.
- Promote efficiency, effectiveness and best practice across projects and teams.
- Keep up to date with current thinking and best practice within the discipline.
- Work closely with clients, contractors and project teams to deliver projects successfully and on budget.
- Comply with established Commercial, Procurement, Contractual strategies.
Candidate Profile:
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or similar construction related technical discipline.
- Chartered / Professionally Qualified (or working towards MRICS/MCInstCES/MCIOB preferred).
- Significant experience in delivering commercial services on major utility infrastructure programmes.
- Strong understanding of electricity, water, wastewater or multi-utility environments (including regulated and non-regulated).
- Experience in commercial management and the delivery of projects in the regulated marketplace and de-regulated marketplace.
- Proven track record in managing multi-disciplinary teams and client relationships.
- Proficient in procurement advisory, cost planning, contract management and dispute resolution.
- Proven experience in managing high voltage Transmission and Distribution projects.
- Extensive experience in delivering EHV projects (132kV, 275kV, and 400kV), grid connections, and other utility-scale projects.
- Good working knowledge of the UK Transmission & Distribution ecosystem, including the DNO/IDNO landscape, and major players in the ICP market.
- Experience with standard construction contracts (e.g., Fidic, JCT).
- Proven track record in tendering and managing major projects.
Behaviours:
- Recognised as a client focused, positive collaborator who shares knowledge freely and offers support to their peers and seniors.
- Recognised as a team player with a strong willingness to learn.
- Demonstrates a positive and proactive approach to the role, and will be committed to delivering customer service excellence, with good commercial results.
RLB Employee Benefits:
- Hybrid Working - Working patterns to support your work-life balance.
- Well-Rewarded - A competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement.
- Focus On Wellbeing - We offer a number of health and wellness options, including gym membership and cycle to work schemes.
- Healthcare Packages - Private healthcare insurance and medical support, including dental insurance and eyecare vouchers.
- Personal Development - A continuous learning and development programme, including established APC and in-house mentoring schemes.
- Additional Benefits - We offer a wide range of benefits including a season ticket loan and professional membership subscriptions.
- Exceptional Exposure - You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different sectors and regions.
- Social Responsibility - We hold team and social events as well as charity fundraising and volunteering activities.
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment:
We believe in building a diverse and inclusive environment where each person can be themselves, feel valued for their contribution and be challenged and supported to reach their full potential. We have a responsibility to support the communities in which we live and work, and that our workforce should reflect these communities and our clients. Our talent strategy should enable us to overcome bias in the construction industry by recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during any stage of the application or interview process, please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@uk.rlb.com
Department: Cost Management
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Workplace type: Hybrid
Senior Cost Manager / Senior Associate - Utilities in London employer: Rider Levett Bucknall
RLB is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that fosters collaboration and innovation within the infrastructure sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth through continuous learning programmes and professional membership support, RLB ensures that its team members thrive while contributing to impactful projects. The company promotes a flexible working culture, competitive benefits, and a dedication to diversity and inclusion, making it an attractive choice for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Manager / Senior Associate - Utilities in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Rider Levett Bucknall, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Cost Manager / Senior Associate - Utilities at Rider Levett Bucknall.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Manager / Senior Associate - Utilities in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rider Levett Bucknall
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
