Cost Manager (Health and Life Sciences) in Birmingham

As a Cost Manager you will support the delivery of projects across health and life sciences sectors, providing full cost management services from initial feasibility through to completion on complex refurbishments and new‑build schemes. You will develop robust cost plans, support procurement and tendering, administer contracts, and ensure strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle. You will work closely with NHS trusts, science clients, and design teams.

Responsibilities

• Experience in project delivery utilising all common procurement and contract strategies.
• Managing tender processes including production of Tender and Value for Money reports.
• Assist in the cost management of projects through the entire project lifecycle.
• Preparation of estimates and cost plans using the NRM‑based approach.
• Preparation of pricing schedules, tender and contract documentation.
• Undertake monthly assessments for payment.
• Construction phase cost management including attending site meetings, negotiating and agreeing variations with the contractor and preparing the monthly cost report to the client.
• Produce cost reports and cashflows, presenting to stakeholders, and supporting the preparation of business cases for public funding approval.
• Familiarity with the construction industry and ability to work within a fast‑paced consultancy environment.
• Actively engaged in value and risk management, having facilitated structured risk workshops and delivered value engineering proposals.

Qualifications and Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management.
• A desire to develop your career and become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.
• Demonstrable track record of successful outcomes and ability to work under own initiative.
• Understanding of typical traditional and design and build contract T&Cs and mechanisms commonly used in the UK.
• Competence in project controls and financial management, maintaining accurate reporting across all project stages and ensuring compliance with client funding requirements and audit standards.
• Strong communication, ability to perform client‑facing duties and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Commercial awareness, logical thinking, and an ability to work efficiently and accurately to high standards.

Benefits

• Hybrid working policy: work from home up to two days per week with office collaboration.
• Work‑life balance initiatives, including the WSP My Hour allowing one hour each day for personal activities.
• Inclusive culture that welcomes applicants of varied backgrounds and experiences.
• Health & wellbeing programmes: Thrive, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, menopause support package.
• Flexible working arrangements, part‑time options, and the ability to purchase additional leave or use bank holiday entitlement.
• Development and training opportunities, mentoring, and support for chartership.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.