At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial and programme performance for international construction projects across multiple countries.
- Company: Major international organisation with a growing global real estate portfolio.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence construction investment management and shape commercial strategy.
- Other info: Ideal for experienced professionals seeking a broader international leadership role.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on a global scale and work closely with senior leadership.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in construction, strong cost planning, and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location: United Kingdom with International remit
SolvTalent is retained by a major international organisation to appoint a Senior Construction Cost & Programme Manager into its global Real Estate & Facilities Management function. Operating across 860 locations in 24 countries, with a portfolio continuing to grow by approximately 50 locations each year, the business is investing in the capability, governance and commercial performance of its international construction programme.
Reporting directly to the Director of Construction, this is a senior and highly visible role responsible for leading the commercial and programme performance of construction projects across an extensive multi-country estate. Rather than managing individual projects, you will take a portfolio-wide view – developing the systems, governance, benchmarking and commercial insight needed to improve cost performance and deliver greater consistency across the international construction programme.
The role
- Construction cost planning, benchmarking and commercial performance
- Project pipeline governance, reporting and future development
- Spend tracking and financial reporting across the programme
- Project budget reviews and capital investment governance
- Budget-to-spend analysis across live projects
- Contractor performance reviews and benchmarking
- Commercial agreements and contract management
- Identifying and delivering measurable cost efficiencies
- Developing regional cost intelligence and benchmarking
- Reporting programme and commercial performance to senior and executive stakeholders
You will work closely with internal Property, Construction, Commercial and Finance teams alongside external Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Employers Agents, contractors and consultants.
About you
We are looking for an experienced construction commercial professional who combines strong technical capability with the confidence to operate at senior stakeholder level. You are likely to have:
- 5+ years' experience within the built environment or construction sector
- Strong cost planning, budget management and financial reporting experience
- Experience managing large, complex property or construction portfolios
- Exposure to projects across multiple countries or regions
- A relevant degree or equivalent qualification, ideally within Quantity Surveying or Cost Management
- Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills
- The ability to translate complex commercial information into clear executive-level reporting
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- The willingness to travel internationally
This could suit an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor, Commercial Manager, Cost Manager, Programme Cost Manager or Portfolio Cost Manager looking to move into a broader international client-side leadership role.
Why consider it?
This is an opportunity to move beyond individual project delivery and influence how construction investment is managed across an entire international organisation. You will have visibility across a significant global property portfolio, direct exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape the commercial strategy, governance and performance of a growing construction programme.
Senior Cost & Programme Manager employer: SolvTalent
SolvTalent is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, including mentorship from seasoned professionals and involvement in strategic decision-making processes. With a focus on meaningful contributions to property expansion initiatives, SolvTalent provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost & Programme Manager
✨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 SolvTalent, 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 & Programme Manager at SolvTalent.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost & Programme Manager
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 SolvTalent
✨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!
