Senior Cost Manager (Health and Life Sciences) in Cambridge

The Health and Life Sciences Advisory team within WSP helps organisations become more efficient and effective in core sectors such as NHS patient pathways, scientific laboratories, and educational campuses. As a Senior Cost Manager you will support the delivery of projects across the health and life sciences sectors and be part of a dynamic team responsible for providing full cost‑management services from initial feasibility through to completion on complex refurbishments and new‑build schemes. You will deliver 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 common procurement strategies.
• Negotiate contract T&Cs for NEC and JCT contracts, and deliver the typical QS role from placement to project completion.
• Lead tender processes, including production of Tender and Value for Money reports.
• Assist in cost management of projects through the entire lifecycle.
• Prepare estimates and cost plans using the NRM‑based approach.
• Prepare pricing schedules, tender, and contract documentation.
• Undertake monthly assessments for payment.
• Manage construction‑phase cost, attend site meetings, negotiate variations, and prepare monthly cost reports.
• Produce cost reports and cashflows, present to stakeholders, and support business‑case preparation for public funding approval.
• Be familiar with the construction industry and work within a fast‑paced consultancy environment.
• Engage in value and risk management, facilitate structured risk workshops, and deliver value‑engineering proposals.
• Manage junior team members in project delivery to assist with their learning and development.
• Manage the delivery of projects within the QS scope and agreed fee, identifying and raising potential changes or challenges internally.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree‑level education or equivalent in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management.
• Chartered Professional in surveying with RICS or CIOB, or sufficient experience to attain chartership.
• Demonstrable track record of successful outcomes and ability to work independently.
• Understanding of traditional and design‑and‑build contract T&Cs and UK mechanisms.
• Experience managing two‑stage procurement processes and delivering on behalf of the client at each stage.
• Competence in project controls and financial management, maintaining accurate reporting and ensuring compliance with funding requirements and audit standards.
• Strong communication skills, client‑facing ability, and collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Commercial awareness, logical thinking, efficient and accurate work to high standards.

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.