Cost Manager

Overview

As a Cost Manager, you will lead cost management for Higher Education capital projects, from inception to completion. You’ll develop cost plans, budgets, and procurement strategies while advising on value, risk, and commercial performance. You’ll work with multi-disciplinary teams and clients to secure successful project outcomes and help grow the education sector market. This role offers the chance to shape financial strategy across high-profile university estates and complex facilities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver cost management services across Higher Education projects from inception through to completion
• Prepare and manage cost plans, estimates, budgets, procurement strategies, and tender documents
• Monitor and report on project costs, change control, risk, and financial performance
• Administer contracts and provide commercial advice throughout the project lifecycle
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, supporting long-term growth and repeat business
• Contribute to bids, tenders, and business development activities
• Support the delivery of high-quality, commercially successful projects that meet client objectives

Key requirements

• Proven experience in Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, or Cost Consulting in construction or built environment
• Experience delivering capital projects, refurbishments, fit-outs, infrastructure, or estate development programmes
• Higher Education sector experience is highly desirable
• Strong commercial awareness and client-facing skills
• Experience working in complex stakeholder environments and live operational settings
• Knowledge of procurement strategies and contract administration, including JCT forms of contract
• Experience supporting bids, framework submissions, or client account management is advantageous
• MRICS qualified or working towards chartership
• Experience of laboratories, research facilities, healthcare, or other specialist environments would be beneficial

• Client-facing communication
• Collaborative teamwork
• Stakeholder management
• Cost management
• Cost planning and budgeting
• Procurement strategies

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