Senior Cost Manager

Senior Cost Engineer - Site Delivery Programme | Suffolk

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Engineer to join a major UK infrastructure delivery programme, supporting site-based works in Suffolk. This is a senior, high-impact role within a central Project Controls function, offering the opportunity to influence delivery performance on a mega?project environment.

Key Details

Engagement Type: Contract PAYE / Umbrella

Location: Suffolk - Site-based (Ipswich area)

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Rate: £80-92 per hour

Start Date: ASAP

Contract End Date: 31 December 2026

Expenses: As agreed in advance with the Line Manager and in line with travel policy

Vetting Required: BPSS Clearance Notice

Period: 4 weeks

Overview

The Senior Cost Manager will operate within a central PMO / Project Controls centre of excellence, supporting the successful delivery of a large, complex infrastructure programme. The role is responsible for the deployment, oversight and continuous improvement of Cost Management processes, ensuring robust governance, clarity of forecast, and forward-looking performance insight.

You will work closely with the Cost Management functional lead while being sufficiently experienced to operate autonomously, providing assurance, leadership and strategic insight across programme delivery teams. A key focus of the role is driving a "Digital by Default" approach to cost management, ensuring consistent use of systems, tools and data frameworks.

This position requires proven experience in mega-project cost management, across both client-delivered scope and supply chain delivered scope, with strong stakeholder-facing capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and assurance of Cost Management activities in line with project governance, procedures and standards
• Act as first line of defence for assurance of cost data from delivery teams
• Support the Cost Lead with high-quality analysis, reporting, presentations and insightful "so what" narratives for senior stakeholders
• Deputise for the Cost Lead when required, including coordinating and running Cost Steering Committees
• Ensure month-end cost data, forecasts and performance reports are delivered on time and to a high standard
• Own the accurate assessment of the Current Forecast, including approved changes and emerging trends
• Support programme teams with functional cost management expertise and guidance
• Drive the development and implement the Cost Management framework across the programme
• Champion and advance digital cost management capabilities and system adoption
• Act as a key interface between Cost Management and wider Project Controls functions
• Provide leadership and development support to cost management team members

About You

You will be a confident senior cost professional with the credibility to engage across delivery teams, functional leads, executive leadership and governance forums. You will be comfortable challenging information, providing independent assurance, and translating complex cost data into clear, actionable insight.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in business analysis, accounting, finance, construction, engineering, project management or a related technical discipline
• Demonstrable experience working within a Cost Management function on a mega or complex infrastructure project
• Strong understanding of Project Controls functions and their inter dependencies
• Experience producing senior-level reporting and presentations for boards, investors and executive stakeholders
• Proven leadership capability, including supporting team development and high performance

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