Cost Engineer

E3recruitment; Bradford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global chemical manufacturer in Bradford is seeking a skilled Cost Engineer to oversee cost control for multi-million-pound capital projects. You will embed cost management processes, ensure financial governance, and support investment cases. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in cost engineering and proficiency in systems like Oracle and Excel. Benefits include a competitive salary of £80,000 – £100,000, bonuses, holidays, and a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Annual bonus up to 10%

28 Holidays + 8 Bank Holidays

Up to 10% Employer Pension Contribution

Flexible Working Opportunities

Healthcare Cash Plan

Qualifications

• Strong background in delivering cost control for major capital projects.
• Experience in engineering or manufacturing industries.
• Advanced financial and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Embed cost control and forecasting across global projects.
• Oversee cost reporting and budget tracking.
• Review and validate project estimates for accuracy.

Skills

Cost control

Cost engineering

Financial analysis

Spreadsheet proficiency

Earned value management

Tools

Oracle

Prism

Cleopatra

Excel

Job description

A global chemical manufacturer specialising in the production of agricultural products are looking for a skilled and experienced Cost Engineer with a proven track record of leading large, complex capital project portfolios to join their team in the West Yorkshire area.

Based at their offices in Bradford, the Cost Engineer will work in a collaborative, values-driven culture where your expertise will directly shape project success and business outcomes.

Salary and Benefits

• Annual Salary: Between £80,000 – £100,000
• Annual Bonus up to 10%
• 28 Holidays + 8 Bank Holidays
• Up to 10% Employer Pension Contribution
• Flexible Working Opportunities
• Global Shares Plan
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Additional Long Service Awards

Role of the Cost Engineer

As the Cost Engineer, you will be responsible for embedding cost control and forecasting across the company’s global multi-million-pound capital project portfolio. You will play an integral role in ensuring robust financial governance, acute cost reporting and data-driven investment decision making.

The Cost Engineer will manage the costs and resources for projects, from initial estimation to final reporting, ensuring projects stay on budget and schedule. Main responsibilities will include gathering and analysing cost data, creating detailed budget forecasts, tracking actual expenditures against plans, identifying cost-saving opportunities and communicating financial status to management.

The Cost Engineer will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing standardised cost control processes across all sites.
• Overseeing cost reporting, forecasting, and budget tracking for all capital projects.
• Reviewing and validating project estimates, cost plans and budgets to ensure accuracy.
• Embedding earned value management principles and reporting frameworks across projects.
• Analysing cost trends and variances, proactively managing risks and preventing overruns.
• Leading monthly cost review meetings and site leadership.
• Supporting investment cases with robust cost-benefit and cash flow analysis.
• Establishing cost benchmarks, KPIs, and best practice frameworks.

Essential Skills and Experience

• A strong background in delivering cost control and cost engineering for major capital projects.
• Experience of working in an engineering-based or manufacturing-based industry.
• Proficiency in cost management systems such as Oracle, Prism, Cleopatra and advanced Excel skills.
• Advanced financial and analytical skills, including modelling, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Deep knowledge of earned value management principles and application.
• Strong influencing skills, able to work across global teams and build credibility at all levels.
• Expertise in estimating methodologies, budget development, and funding models.

How to Apply: Submit your CV direct to be considered for the role.