At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management for a major infrastructure project, ensuring financial performance and governance.
- Company: Join Sizewell C, a key player in the UK's energy transition.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, private medical cover, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on the UK's energy future while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Finance or related field; experience in cost management on large projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: London, 2 / 3 days a week with occasional travel to other sites.
Annual Leave: 28 days + bank holidays (rising to 30 days after 5 years)
Bonus: Up to 10%
Pension: Up to 7.5% employee + 15% employer contribution
Private Medical Cover
Flexible Benefits Allowance - additional benefits
Closing Date: Monday 20 July 20206.
Join One of the UK's Largest Infrastructure Projects
Sizewell C is a nationally significant infrastructure project that will provide reliable, low-carbon electricity to millions of homes whilst supporting the UK's energy security and net-zero ambitions. This is a unique opportunity to join a project that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
As our Senior Cost Manager - Central PMO, you'll play a key role within the Project Controls function, helping to establish and maintain a centre of excellence for Cost Management across the programme. Working closely with the Cost Lead, you will provide oversight, assurance and strategic leadership to ensure cost performance information supports informed decision-making across one of Europe's largest mega-projects.
This role offers the opportunity to work with senior stakeholders across the business, influence major project outcomes and drive continuous improvement within the Cost Management framework.
The Opportunity
The Central PMO Project Controls team is responsible for delivering industry-leading project controls capability, ensuring delivery teams have the insights, governance and tools required to successfully manage project performance. As Senior Cost Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the deployment, governance and continuous improvement of Cost Management across the programme. You will act as a key interface between Cost Management and other Project Controls disciplines, whilst ensuring adherence to established procedures, systems and reporting standards. You will provide expert challenge and assurance, helping project teams understand performance, manage forecast costs and identify opportunities to improve project outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Cost Lead in implementing and maintaining the Cost Management Framework across the project.
- Provide oversight and assurance of cost information submitted by programme delivery teams.
- Act as the first line of defence for cost governance and reporting quality.
- Ensure compliance with Cost Management procedures, standards, guidelines and work instructions.
- Provide expert support and guidance to programme cost teams and functional stakeholders.
Project Controls Integration
- Work closely with Planning, Risk, Change and Performance Management teams to ensure integrated project controls reporting.
- Promote best practice across all Cost Management activities.
- Ensure cost information is aligned with project governance requirements and delivery objectives.
- Develop and strengthen links between Cost Management and wider Project Controls functions.
Forecasting & Reporting
- Lead the preparation and review of project cost forecasts.
- Ensure accurate assessment of current project forecasts and the financial impact of approved changes and emerging trends.
- Oversee month-end cost reporting cycles and ensure delivery of accurate, high-quality datasets.
- Prepare insightful reports and management information for senior leadership teams.
- Deliver meaningful analysis and recommendations that support strategic decision-making.
Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with programme leadership teams, project managers and executive stakeholders.
- Present complex cost information in a clear and meaningful way to a variety of audiences.
- Support and deputise for the Cost Lead where required.
- Coordinate and facilitate Cost Steering Committees and related governance forums.
Digital Project Controls
- Champion the project's "Digital by Default" strategy.
- Drive improvements in Cost Management systems, tools and reporting capabilities.
- Support the optimisation and utilisation of digital project controls solutions and analytics platforms.
Leadership & Development
- Provide coaching, mentoring and support to members of the Cost Management team.
- Help build a high-performing and collaborative team culture.
- Support professional development initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
What We're Looking For
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business, Construction, Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline.
- Significant experience operating as a Cost Lead, Senior Cost Manager or Project Controls Manager on large, complex infrastructure programmes.
- Proven experience within major project or mega-project environments.
- Strong understanding of cost control, forecasting, budgeting and project financial management.
- Experience providing cost assurance and governance across large-scale delivery programmes.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience engaging senior leadership and executive teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent presentation, communication and influencing skills.
- Demonstrable ability to translate complex cost information into actionable business insights.
- Membership of ACostE, APM or other relevant professional body.
- Experience across multiple Project Controls disciplines, including Cost, Planning, Risk and Change.
- Experience using Power BI and project controls reporting tools.
- Knowledge of NEC and FIDIC contract forms.
- Previous experience within the nuclear sector or another highly regulated industry.
Why Sizewell C?
Join a nationally significant project that will help power millions of homes while supporting the UK's transition to low-carbon energy. You'll work alongside industry-leading professionals and have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of Europe's largest infrastructure programmes.
Apply today!
Humility Recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences. Be open to other's points of view and ideas, be willing to debate and to compromise.
Positivity Positively challenge poor quality and performance. Identify solutions at the lowest possible level. Encourage tier 1s and others to bring new ideas forward.
Respect Value the rules and environment in which we operate. Give and receive feedback with respect. Embrace and engage with new people and ideas. One team, working closely together and helping each other. Empowered teams always looking forward. Shared responsibility for delivering the project outcomes.
Clarity Communicate clearly and consistently. Promote collaboration and team alignment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Manager- Central PMO
✨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 Sizewell C Limited, 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- Central PMO at Sizewell C Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Manager- Central PMO
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 Sizewell C Limited
✨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!
