Cost Engineer Rail

Randstad Cpe London; Wednesbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading light rail contractor in Wednesbury is seeking a Cost Engineer to manage project costs and support financial administration. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years in cost engineering or 5 years as a Cost Clerk, a degree in a relevant discipline, and experience with cost control systems. Responsibilities include monitoring costs, preparing reports, and collaborating with various teams. This role offers excellent opportunities for progression and skills development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in cost engineering or 5 years' as a Cost Clerk.
• Strong background in managing costs in construction projects.
• Familiarity with project cost control systems.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, control, and forecast project costs.
• Prepare and present cost reports and variance analysis.
• Collaborate with the project team on cost management.

Skills

Cost Control

Attention to Detail

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or Construction Management

Tools

Copernic

JADE

LISA

Job description

Are you a Cost Engineer with experience working for main contractors on construction projects?

Do you have Cost Control experience in labour, plant, or materials?

Salary: £30,000 – £34,000 per annum
Location: Wednesbury, on site 5 days per week

This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading light rail contractor as part of their Urban/MMA division, supporting a major depot operation. You’ll play a key role in cost control, payment processing and commercial support, ensuring smooth financial administration across a high-performing delivery team. This is a varied, hands‑on role where you’ll collaborate with commercial, delivery and finance colleagues, contribute to project performance and gain exposure across major civils and rail infrastructure. It’s a brilliant environment for progression, learning and developing deeper commercial expertise.

About You:

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in a cost engineering role on major projects or 5 years' experience as a Cost Clerk in the rail, engineering, or construction sectors
• Strong background in construction project environments, with experience managing costs across depot, plant, labour, materials, and subcontractor elements
• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline (e.g., Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or similar)
• Ideally a member of ACostE or another recognised professional body
• Familiarity with project cost control systems such as Copernic, JADE, or LISA
• Excellent attention to detail with strong numerical and analytical skills
• Confident communicator with the ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor, control, and forecast project costs throughout the project lifecycle
• Support in the preparation and presentation of cost reports and variance analysis
• Ensure costs are recorded and managed in line with approved budgets
• Work collaboratively with the wider project team, including planners, engineers, and commercial colleagues
• Track and analyse costs related to depot operations, plant, materials, and subcontractor packages
• Identify and analyse trends, risks, and opportunities within the project cost framework
• Assist in the preparation of change control documentation and cost impact assessments

Interested? Get in touch with Emily today.