Cost Controller - Project Controls - Energy Projects in Manchester

At Turner & Townsend we’re passionate about making the difference – we are committed to delivering Sustainable Net Zero outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realize their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society. The world is changing, and we have a responsibility to support that change, helping drive it and be part of it. Through the commitment, capability and care our team brings, we build trust between clients, suppliers, governments, and society. Delivering better outcomes that have a positive impact on the world around us. We work smarter to face the challenges of the future; bringing the clarity that helps teams realise their full potential across the real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources sectors.

Due to increased opportunities and demand in the Energy & Natural Resources division, the team are recruiting for Cost Controllers / Engineers to join a diverse and supportive team during a period of significant growth. Our Transmission and Distribution client is at the forefront of industry leading change, and we are keen to speak to like‑minded individuals with senior cost engineering experience to see what Turner & Townsend can offer you.

MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE

A Cost Controller is responsible for managing and controlling project costs across work packages and projects of varying size and complexity. Depending on programme requirements, this may include overseeing multiple smaller projects or leading cost control on a single, high‑value or complex project. The Cost Controller is accountable for establishing, implementing, and maintaining robust cost control processes, ensuring accurate financial reporting and forecasting to support effective decision‑making. The role requires a strong understanding of the relationships between cost, schedule, risk, scope, and change. Working as part of an Integrated Project Team, the Cost Controller will ensure that client objectives are achieved and that projects are delivered in line with approved budgets, schedules, and quality standards.

Key Accountabilities

• Review and assess contractor cost control processes, systems, and performance to ensure alignment with project requirements and budget expectations.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and completeness of cost tracking, including actual expenditures, value of work completed, commitments, and forecast final costs.
• Maintain and manage contract and commitment registers, providing clear visibility of cost ceilings, actuals, accruals, and forecast positions.
• Develop and coordinate monthly and annual spend forecasts, including cost reconciliations and detailed variance analysis against approved budgets.
• Manage and consolidate cost performance data to support accurate and timely reporting.
• Ensure seamless integration of financial and accounting data within enterprise and project systems.
• Support the preparation and administration of contracts and work orders, including bid evaluations, cost estimates, and validation of contractor payments.
• Produce high‑quality, integrated cost reports for senior management, project teams, finance, and external stakeholders, ensuring consistency and data accuracy.
• Contribute to the organisation’s strategic and business planning processes by providing reliable cost data, forecasts, and analysis.
• Provide both technical and administrative support to the Contract Manager in the effective delivery of service contracts.
• Manage and coordinate service requests through the implementation and maintenance of appropriate systems and processes.
• Monitor and control project costs through regular reporting, including detailed variance analysis of actual costs and forecasts against annual and medium‑term financial targets.

You have professional Project Controls experience specialising in Cost Engineering/Control in one or more sectors across the whole Project lifecycle. While nuclear experience is desirable it is not an absolute requirement. You have a detailed understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM), progress reporting, forecasting and performance reporting and analysis and can coordinate and work with other teams utilising your multi‑disciplinary knowledge. You will be a strong communicator, able to demonstrate leadership behaviours with the ability to influence, manage, motivate, coach and develop a team by fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. You promote empowerment and contribution and have a passion to build a community and support network beyond your delivery role.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant professional certifications or qualifications in cost management, project controls, or commercial disciplines.
• Significant experience in cost control and contract management across both pre‑award and post‑award phases of major projects.
• Solid understanding of project management principles and their application within complex project environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English (additional languages are advantageous).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and strong working knowledge of SAP systems.
• Ability to produce high‑quality reports and documentation in line with established standards and formats.
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret technical, financial, commercial, and legal documentation.
• Flexible and adaptable approach, with the ability to respond effectively to changing project requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Sound understanding of professional ethics, governance, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Experience working within multicultural and international project teams.

Additional Information

We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change. We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work‑life balance. Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community. SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.