Cost Engineer (GPD)

Location: Manchester, Warrington or Derby, with hybrid working available.

Why this role matters

We’re building something that has never been done before – and we need you to help make it happen. As a Cost Engineer at Rolls‑Royce SMR, you’ll play a key part in ensuring our projects are delivered accurately, responsibly, and efficiently. Your work will directly influence how we plan, forecast, and deliver one of the UK’s most exciting clean‑energy programmes.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you’ll take ownership of cost control and analysis across key areas of our programme. Day‑to‑day activities include:

• Maintaining and updating project budgets and forecasts
• Tracking actuals, commitments and accruals
• Supporting change control assessments and cost impact analysis
• Ensuring cost data aligns with schedule and project controls
• Raising PRs, managing POs, and reviewing supplier applications
• Preparing monthly cost reports and dashboards
• Collaborating with planners, commercial colleagues and Work Package Managers
• Contributing to continuous improvement and supporting our cost systems and tools

What you’ll bring

Success in this role looks like:

• Strong understanding of cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and change processes
• High proficiency in cost reporting and variance analysis (Excel, Power Query or similar)
• A detail‑orientated and accountable approach to your work
• The ability to build strong relationships and collaborate across multi‑disciplinary teams
• Experience in cost engineering or project controls, ideally in infrastructure, energy or nuclear
• Familiarity with tools such as SAP, EcoSys or Primavera
• A proactive, solution‑focused mindset

Qualifications & Training

Essential:

• Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance or related fields
• Progress toward a recognised professional accreditation (e.g., RICS, APM, CICES, PMI)
• Advanced proficiency in cost data management and analysis tools

Desirable:

• Training in cost control, estimating or forecasting
• Exposure to NEC/FIDIC contracts
• Experience with change control and performance reporting

What success looks like in this role

• Cost data is accurate, consistent, and delivered on time
• Forecasts reflect the latest, best‑known view
• Monthly reporting lands smoothly and informs confident decisions
• Strong partnerships across the project are built
• System and process improvements are contributed to
• High standards of internal controls and audit compliance are supported

Key measures & scope

Potential line management of up to 3 Assistant Cost Engineers. Close collaboration across project controls, planning, commercial, engineering and supplier teams.

Reward & benefits

• Salary: £42,000 – £55,150
• Benefits allowance: £2,200
• Bonus: Up to 12.5%
• Holiday: 28 days + bank holidays
• Pension: Standard Rolls‑Royce SMR pension 12%
• Other benefits: 6× life assurance, 50% income protection, £250 new joiner payment
• Flexible working options available

Inclusion & accessibility

We value the unique perspectives and experiences that everyone brings. We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace where you can be yourself and thrive. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage – from application to interview to your day‑to‑day work — we’re here to support you.

Security & checks

This role requires BPSS clearance. As part of the offer process, we’ll carry out standard background, security and financial checks.

Equality and Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusion is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.