Cost Engineer

CV Bay Ltd; Great Barr; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A major infrastructure contractor in Great Barr is seeking an organised Cost Engineer to oversee project costs and support financial operations. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience in cost engineering for major projects, proficiency in finance systems, and a strong command of Microsoft Office and PowerBI. This role is office-based with a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Digital GP access

Death in Service – 4 x annual salary

26 days annual leave + bank holidays

Health Care contributions

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Cost Engineer on major projects or 5 years in a commercial/cost role.
• Experience with civils, rail, or major infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of finance systems and cost administration.

Responsibilities

• Support the cost control of labour, plant, and materials.
• Track orders and reconcile costs against project budgets.
• Resolve POD/invoice queries with suppliers and finance departments.

Skills

Cost engineering

Cost administration

Financial reporting

Microsoft Office proficiency

PowerBI knowledge

Education

Degree in Finance, Construction, Mathematics, Business, or related field

Tools

Copernic

Jade

Lisa

Job description

Cost Engineer

Salary: £32,000–£34,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Hours: 40 per week – Monday to Friday – Fully Office-based

Location: West Midlands

• Company pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Digital GP access
• Death in Service – 4 x annual salary
• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Health Care contributions

Overview

We are seeking an organised and detail-driven Cost Engineer to support the Commercial, Delivery, and Finance teams for a major infrastructure contractor.

In this role, you will play a key part in managing project costs, ensuring timely payment of materials, labour, plant, and subcontractor works, supporting project teams with accurate financial data, and maintaining Days Payment Outstanding (DPO) in line with business requirements.

This role is ideal for candidates with experience in engineering, construction, or infrastructure projects, who can combine technical project knowledge with commercial acumen, working collaboratively with office-based teams.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Control & Administration

Support the cost control of labour, plant, and materials, working alongside QS / SQS teams.

Track orders and regularly reconcile costs against project budgets.

Process GRNs and PODs promptly, ensuring accurate approvals for payment cycles.

Maintain DPO targets by ensuring timely and accurate payment processes.

Supplier, Subcontractor & Finance Liaison

Resolve POD / invoice queries with suppliers, delivery teams, and finance departments.

Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to verify hours, quantities, and rates.

Ensure financial processes are followed and escape non-conformance where necessary.

Act as a commercial interface for suppliers and subcontractors.

Data, Reporting & Documentation

Maintain and update labour, plant, and material trackers and schedules.

Support weekly planned vs actual resource usage reporting.

Organise and archive commercial documentation (digital and hard copy).

Assist with cost reports, audit preparation, payment notices, and subcontractor evaluations.

Safety, Ethics & Integrity

Comply with company safety standards and business conduct guidelines.

Promote a culture of safety, inclusion, and respect across all teams.

Essential Experience & Skills

Experience as a Cost Engineer, Cost Clerk, or Commercial Engineer within engineering, construction, or infrastructure projects.

Hands‑on experience working for contractors on civils, rail, or major infrastructure projects.

Strong understanding of finance systems and cost administration.

Experience producing financial and commercial reports.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel / Outlook) and working knowledge of PowerBI.

Highly organised, detail-focused, and able to prioritise effectively.

Qualifications

Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Cost Engineer / CE on major projects or 5 years’ experience in a commercial / cost role in a similar industry.

Desirable :

• Membership of Acoste / AACEI / ICEC or similar body
• Degree in Finance, Construction, Mathematics, Business, or related field
• Knowledge of Copernic, Jade, Lisa, or similar cost control systems

To apply for this role, send your CV through the link below and we will call you to discuss your experience, transferable skills, and your availability for interview.