Cost Engineer in Irvine

We are currently recruiting for an experienced cost engineer to engage on a permanent basis in Irvine, Scotland.

Job Objectives

As an experienced Cost Engineer within the pharmaceutical sector, you will be responsible for establishing and maintaining effective cost management processes, systems, and reporting structures across complex projects and programmes. You will develop accurate cost baselines, monitor project performance, manage change, and provide financial insight to support successful project delivery. Working closely with clients, contractors, consultants, and project stakeholders, you will ensure robust cost governance is applied throughout the project lifecycle while driving value, transparency, and commercial control.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish project cost control procedures, templates, systems, and reporting structures aligned to client requirements and governance standards.
• Develop, maintain, and manage project cost baselines, forecasts, budgets, and cash flow profiles.
• Monitor and analyse project costs, identifying trends, variances, and root causes against approved baselines.
• Provide accurate cost forecasting and recommend corrective actions to mitigate financial risks and cost overruns.
• Prepare and maintain executive-level cost reports and dashboards summarising project financial performance.
• Lead and manage project change control processes, ensuring all changes are tracked, assessed, approved, and incorporated into forecasts and reporting.
• Support contingency management processes and evaluate the cost impact of project risks and opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with project teams, contractors, vendors, and procurement functions to ensure cost alignment across the programme.
• Review contractor applications, forecasts, and commercial reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance with project controls procedures.
• Support procurement and contract management activities by providing cost analysis, benchmarking, and financial insight.
• Participate in project risk workshops and contribute to quantitative risk assessments and scenario analysis.
• Ensure all project cost information is maintained accurately and communicated effectively to senior stakeholders and clients.
• Provide commercial and financial guidance to support strategic project decision-making.
• Support governance reviews, audits, and stage gate approvals throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain compliance with project controls standards, processes, and quality expectations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in Cost Engineering, Cost Management, or Project Controls within life sciences, data centres, infrastructure, or major capital projects.
• Strong understanding of project cost management principles across all project lifecycle phases.
• Demonstrated experience in cost forecasting, budgeting, estimating, cash flow management, and cost reporting.
• Experience managing project change control processes and financial risk management.
• Ability to interpret and analyse complex financial and project performance data to support decision-making.
• Experience working within client-side, consultancy, or contractor project environments.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, contract administration, and commercial management principles.
• Experience supporting quantitative risk analysis and contingency management processes is desirable.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and MS Office applications.
• Experience using project controls and cost management systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to present financial information clearly to senior leadership teams.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced project environments.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially aware with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently or within integrated project teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive, driven, and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes for clients.
• Adaptable and resilient within complex and evolving project environments.

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive and collaborative working environment where individuals are encouraged to develop professionally and contribute to project success. We support flexible working practices and believe in empowering our people to achieve both personal and professional growth while delivering exceptional results for our clients.