Cost Intelligence Manager

Tec Partners; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 66,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

A major regulated infrastructure organisation near Brighton seeks a Cost Intelligence Manager to lead a new cost intelligence capability. This role involves overseeing cost estimating and benchmarking services, ensuring efficient investment decisions, and managing the transition from outsourced to in-house models. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in cost management and experience in the construction sector, along with necessary qualifications like an MRICS. The position offers competitive salary and hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of cost management in construction or infrastructure.
• Proven experience managing outsourced services.
• Ability to influence at executive level.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost estimating and benchmarking service.
• Provide cost assurance across the supply chain.
• Develop methodologies for regulatory price reviews.

Skills

Cost management expertise

Understanding of construction contracts

Stakeholder management

Team leadership capability

Numeracy and commercial acumen

Education

Degree in a numerate discipline

MRICS or similar membership

Post-graduate qualification (desirable)

Job description

Cost Intelligence Manager

Location: Near Brighton | Hybrid working

Salary: £66,000 - £94,000 + 5% Bonus

Hours: 37 hours per week

We are supporting a major regulated infrastructure organisation in the South East with the appointment of a senior Cost Intelligence Manager. This is a high-impact role with responsibility for establishing and leading a cost intelligence capability that will underpin capital investment decisions, regulatory submissions and long-term efficiency improvements.

This position suits an experienced commercial professional who can operate at strategic level, influence senior stakeholders and build a new function from the ground up.

The Role

The Cost Intelligence Manager will be accountable for creating and leading a cost estimating and benchmarking function. The role will provide independent challenge to delivery and supply chain costs, support strategic asset planning and play a critical role in future regulatory price reviews.

A key element of the role is the transition from a fully outsourced cost intelligence model to a predominantly in-house capability over the next three years. This includes developing the business case, securing approvals, recruiting and mobilising a new team and managing the exit of incumbent suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the cost estimating and benchmarking service supporting strategic asset planning and capital delivery
• Provide cost assurance and constructive challenge across the supply chain to drive efficiency and value for money
• Develop and own costing methodologies to support regulatory price reviews, including engagement with regulators
• Produce executive-level reporting on cost efficiency for investment committees and senior leadership
• Manage cost libraries, benchmarking data and cost modelling tools to support business planning
• Build and lead a new in-house cost intelligence team, including systems, processes and governance
• Manage residual outsourced services for complex schemes and peak demand periods
• Specify and procure future cost intelligence contracts for specialist and surge requirements

Skills and Experience Required

• Expert knowledge of cost management, estimating and benchmarking within construction or infrastructure
• Strong understanding of construction contracts and commercial delivery models
• Proven experience managing outsourced services and transitioning operating models
• Ability to influence and challenge at executive and board level
• Demonstrated capability to establish and lead teams from scratch
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including engagement with regulators and shareholders
• Highly numerate with strong business case development and commercial acumen

Qualifications

• Essential: Degree or equivalent in a numerate discipline
• Essential: MRICS or membership of a similar professional body
• Desirable: Post‑graduate qualification in a relevant subject
• Desirable: Experience transitioning services between outsourced and in‑house models
• Desirable: Project management or management qualification
• Desirable: Significant post‑graduate experience in construction, water or infrastructure sectors

Why Apply

This is a rare opportunity to shape a critical commercial function with long-term strategic importance. The role offers genuine influence over investment decisions, regulatory outcomes and organisational capability, while working in a hybrid model based near Brighton.

For a confidential discussion or further details, please get in touch