At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage costs for major projects and ensure financial accuracy across teams.
- Company: Join WSP, a leading engineering firm with a culture of innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to positive community impacts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on landmark projects while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
As a Cost Manager you will support the delivery of major multidisciplinary programmes and be part of a dynamic team responsible for providing full cost management services across complex, high-value schemes. You will manage all Applications for Payment (AFP) across the programme, lead subcontractor audits of rates, and act as the key interface between the commercial and finance teams to ensure accurate reconciliation and robust financial governance throughout the programme lifecycle.
A Little More About Your Role...
- Experience in project delivery utilising cost reimbursable contract strategies, including the calculation of complex reimbursable rates.
- Management and ownership of all AFPs across the programme, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission.
- Extraction and interrogation of data from our Oracle based HR and finance system to support cost reporting and analysis.
- Lead and coordinate subcontractor audits of rates, ensuring contractual compliance and value for money.
- Support audit justifications, maintaining thorough and defensible documentation in line with client funding requirements.
- Act as the primary liaison between the commercial and finance teams, driving reconciliation processes and ensuring alignment across both functions.
- Handle sensitive commercial and personnel data with appropriate discretion and in accordance with data governance requirements.
- Monthly commercial and contract reporting.
What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…
- Demonstrable track record of successful outcomes on complex programmes, with the ability to work under own initiative.
- Ability to apply cost reimbursable contracting, including a thorough understanding of rate build-ups and associated audit processes.
- Experience interfacing between commercial and finance functions, with a proven ability to drive reconciliation and resolve discrepancies.
- Proven ability to maintain accurate records and data integrity when working with sensitive information across multiple systems.
- Have an ability to communicate technical detail graphically and effectively, with the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
About Us
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
- Work-life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
- Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
- Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
- Flex your time: To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
- Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.
#WeAreWSP 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.
Programme Cost Manager in Cardiff employer: WSP in the UK & Ireland
WSP in the UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Strategic Commercial Director, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities while working in a hybrid environment that promotes work-life balance. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on impactful projects within the Transport & Infrastructure sector, WSP provides a rewarding platform for those looking to make a meaningful difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Cost Manager in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Programme Cost Manager at WSP in the UK & Ireland!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like WSP in the UK & Ireland or be willing to refer you for that Programme Cost Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from WSP in the UK & Ireland who’s on the lookout for their next Programme Cost Manager star!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Programme Cost Manager role at WSP in the UK & Ireland!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Cost Manager in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at WSP in the UK & Ireland. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP in the UK & Ireland
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at WSP in the UK & Ireland. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!