Cost Engineer

Morson Talent; Portencross; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Portencross is seeking a Cost Engineer for a long-term contract until February 2027. In this role, you will manage costs, implement change controls, and ensure projects adhere to budgets. Ideal candidates will have professional qualifications and significant experience in cost management. The position offers hybrid working, with 2 days office-based and 2 days remote.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a project-based environment.
• Strong background in cost engineering or management accounting.
• Experience with post-contract administration (NEC, ICE, JCT, FIDIC).

Responsibilities

• Report to the Project Manager and Function Lead.
• Prepare and manage project change controls.
• Track manpower productivity and provide insights.

Skills

Cost forecasting

Performance analysis

Change control

Post-contract cost activities

Risk management

Earned Value Management (EVM)

Education

Relevant professional qualification (e.g. ACMA, ACostE)

Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. ACostE, AACE, RICS)

Job description

Overview

Cost Engineer - Long-Term Contract (Until February 2027)

Rate: £55.60 per hour

Working hours: 4 days per week (37.5 hours total)

Hybrid working: 2 days based in Hunterson office, 2 days remote

Location: Hunterson A, West Kilbride, Ayrshire, KA23 9RA

Our client is a leading engineering consultancy that provides services to the nuclear sector.

As a Cost Engineer, you'll provide comprehensive cost management support — including cost forecasting, performance analysis, change control, and post-contract cost activities — ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standard.

Responsibilities

• Report to the Project Manager for service delivery and to the Function Lead for functional standards.
• Participate in project reviews, audits, and self-assessments to maintain compliance.
• Prepare and manage project change controls and baseline management.
• Establish and implement effective cost capture, coding, and reporting structures (Work Orders, POs, CBS).
• Align project controls with contractual obligations, driving improvements where needed.
• Manage time bookings, charge codes, and resource tracking for accurate cost allocation and forecasting.
• Track manpower productivity and provide actionable insights to project leadership.
• Conduct post-contract cost management activities including payment certifications, Compensation Events (CE), and contract close-out.
• Validate and analyse supply chain cost data to support accurate forecasting.
• Prepare and maintain ETC, ACWP, and CPI reports.
• Support Value Engineering studies and cost efficiency initiatives.
• Prepare and maintain Baseline Change Proposals (BCP), sanction proposals, and Basis of Estimate (BoE) documentation.
• Participate in cost studies and benchmarking exercises.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and training within the project controls team.

Education / Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. ACMA, ACostE Incorporated, or equivalent experience)
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. ACostE, AACE, RICS)

Experience / Knowledge

• Significant experience in a project-based environment
• Strong background in cost engineering, management accounting, or cost management
• Demonstrable knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) and reporting techniques
• Experience with post-contract administration (NEC, ICE, JCT, FIDIC)
• Solid understanding of risk management, cost/schedule integration, and performance analysis
• Skilled in identifying, analysing, and solving complex project cost challenges

Please note, all candidates will gain BPSS Clearance prior to starting.

For more information, please contact Scarlet Wilson