Senior Cost Lead in London

Company Description

A London-based consultancy delivering high-impact services in project controls and digital transformation. We specialise in simplifying complexities, driving efficiency and providing data-driven actionable insights to facilitate better decision-making and project outcomes.

With extensive experience and expertise, complemented by the capabilities of our associate partners, we challenge the status quo and deliver value-driven solutions tailored to our clients’ needs. Our clients come from a range of sectors, including rail, infrastructure, utilities (water, oil, gas, electric, renewables and nuclear), construction and government.

We are known for our collaborative, values-driven and future-focused approach. We care deeply about our impact and bring that same mindset to the projects we work on.

Role Description

A hybrid role based in London (with travel as required and flexibility for some home-working).

In this high-impact leadership role, you will ensure the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of cost management across the entire civils programme, while recognising and influencing programme decisions that shape the wider project. As a key member of our Project Management Office, you’ll collaborate with world-class engineering, commercial, and project controls teams to provide clarity, innovation, and reliability in all areas of cost performance.

In this role, you will:

• Consult on the development of estimates and support the establishment of robust cost baselines for estimate at completion development
• Align and maintain cost baselines with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), project schedule, and risk register
• Quantify cost impacts arising from scope changes, design modifications, and evolving risks, integrating these with the project’s overall risk management framework
• Monitor contractor and subcontractor cost performance, validate progress claims, and analyse variances against budget and earned value
• Implement and operate advanced cost control systems, developing dynamic cost forecasts, trend analyses, and scenario modelling to drive robust project delivery
• Define and monitor cost KPIs including Cost Performance Index (CPI) and Estimate at Completion (EAC), benchmarking performance against industry standards
• Lead on clear, timely and accurate cost reporting for all project stakeholders, regulators, and funding bodies
• Champion digital engineering and integrated project controls, leveraging tools to track and report change, develop dashboards, and drive automation
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement in cost management practices, engaging proactively with Digital teams to ensure seamless integration with broader business systems
• Take a leadership role in health and safety, empowering teams and influencing working practices to maintain industry-leading standards
• Engage with a diverse stakeholder network, anticipating needs, driving alignment, and acting as a trusted advisor to both client and alliance partners
• Motivate and develop your team, driving high levels of engagement, capability, and performance across the programme

To be successful, you will need:

• Substantial experience within cost management on major infrastructure projects
• A strong track record of cost estimation, cost control, and cost forecasting using leading industry tools (e.g. Ares Prism, EcoSys, SAP, Primavera)
• Outstanding analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to convey complex information with clarity and impact
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and champion digital innovation
• A results-driven, proactive approach and the ability to manage competing priorities and adapt positively to change

Who You Are:

You bring more than just project control skills—you bring the right behaviours that align with how we show up every day:

• You really care about helping others succeed
• You proactively look for ways to add value, even when it’s not explicitly asked
• You proactively look for ways to add value, even when it’s not explicitly asked
• You’re a critical thinker who asks smart questions and seeks to understand before acting
• You’re digitally literate, adaptable, and comfortable working with modern tools
• You’re curious, proactive, and always looking to improve
• You’re credible, authentic, and can influence others with integrity
• You’re emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and respectful in how you show up
• You bring innovative thinking and don’t default to the obvious
• You focus on results and optimisation, not just activity
• You’re collaborative—you don’t sit in silence, and you make space for others
• You’re accountable and own your outcomes
• You balance resilience with compassion—kindness matters here
• You’re the kind of person who likes to go above and beyond

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a values-led consultancy where you’re not just a number
• Work closely with experienced consultants and leaders invested in your development
• Shape the way we grow and influence how we build our teams
• Hybrid working and flexibility with 30 days annual leave
• Exposure to cutting-edge work in project controls and digital transformation
• A down-to-earth, high-performing culture that genuinely supports its people