Cost Manager

Cumming Group UK & Europe; Exeter; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An international consultancy firm in Exeter seeks a Senior Cost Manager to drive project success across various sectors. You will provide cost consultancy, managing estimates and tender preparation while mentoring junior team members. The ideal candidate possesses a degree in a relevant field, with over 7 years of experience in cost management and strong leadership skills. This role offers a collaborative working environment and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in cost management, ideally in infrastructure.
• Strong IT skills including MS Office Suite.
• Proven results in a client-facing role.

Responsibilities

• Deliver estimates, procurement advice, and project support.
• Manage contract administration including valuations, forecasts, and cost reports.
• Mentor junior team members to foster growth.

Skills

Client-facing consultancy experience

Leadership and mentoring

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of cost management processes

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Ability to manage multiple projects

Education

Degree in Construction, Cost Management, Engineering, or Quantity Surveying

MRICS or working towards it

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Senior Cost Manager – Exeter

Job Profile Summary

Cumming Group is an international project and cost management consultancy delivering innovative solutions in construction, real estate, and infrastructure. With a commitment to collaboration, transparency, and performance excellence, we support some of the world’s most respected clients across a diverse range of sectors.

At Cumming Group, you will work on some of the world’s most exciting construction projects across a variety of sectors, in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment where your success is measured by the impact you make.

As a Senior Cost Manager, you will provide expert‑level cost consultancy and project support for projects across various stages and sectors from concept design to construction completion. You will be responsible for delivering estimates, procurement advice, and post‑contract administration, working independently or managing a team, depending on project size and scope.

You will partner with a diverse set of clients and internal teams to deliver exceptional value, acting as a trusted advisor and helping to ensure successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Take day‑to‑day delivery responsibility for larger projects or programmes of work with minimal supervision.
• Prepare budget estimates, cost plans, and client reports.
• Provide risk and value management.
• Manage contract administration including valuations, forecasts, cost reports, and attendance at project meetings.
• Prepare bills of quantities, schedules of rates, or other methods of work evaluation.
• Deliver all outputs accurately, on time, and to a high standard of quality.
• Contribute towards bid and tender preparation and business development initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and support business growth through networking.
• Mentor junior team members, fostering professional growth and capability development.
• Provide procurement and contract advice, and manage tender preparation and evaluation.

Skills & Experience

• Proven consultancy experience delivering results in a client‑facing role.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities with experience managing small teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Sound knowledge of cost management processes and industry standard forms of contract (e.g., JCT, NEC).
• Ability to prioritise workloads, work under pressure, and manage multiple complex projects.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and forward‑thinking approach.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree‑qualified in Construction, Cost Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or another RICS‑accredited discipline.
• MRICS (or working towards) preferred.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in cost management, ideally within the infrastructure sector.
• Strong IT skills including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Cumming Group is committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All job applicants will receive equal treatment without regard to age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, “race” (including nationality, national / ethnic origins, colour), marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, gender reassignment, religion or belief.

Note for Recruitment Agencies

We prefer to hire directly, and we will be in touch with our PSL agencies if this role is eligible for release.