Cost Manager

Cumming Group UK & Europe; Penarth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading project and cost management consultancy is seeking a Graduate Cost Manager for their Penarth office. This role offers an excellent opportunity for graduates to develop skills in cost consultancy while working on major projects. Responsibilities include preparing cost plans, supporting procurement, and ensuring high-quality project delivery. Ideal candidates will be working towards a relevant degree and have strong communication skills. The company supports diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits

24 days annual leave (plus option to buy up to 10 extra days)

Private health insurance

Life assurance & critical illness cover

Pension scheme

Annual professional membership fees covered

Bespoke training & development plans

Health & wellbeing initiatives (EAP, cycle to work, gym discounts)

Qualifications

• 0–2 years’ industry experience (including placements or graduate roles).
• Knowledge of JCT / NEC contracts is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing cost plans, estimates, and client reports.
• Support procurement, tendering, and contract administration.
• Contribute to risk and value management.
• Help prepare valuations, forecasts, and reconciliations.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and colleagues.
• Ensure high-quality work is delivered on time.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

IT literate (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Knowledge of JCT / NEC contracts

Motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn

Education

Working towards a degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, or another RICS-accredited subject

Job description

Graduate Cost Manager

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.

The Role :

Cumming Group are looking to recruit a Graduate Cost Manager to join our Infrastructure team in the Penarth office. This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate or someone early in their career to develop their skills in cost consultancy and gain exposure to major projects. You’ll support the team across all stages of a project, from concept design through to construction completion.

Key Responsibilities :

• Assist with preparing cost plans, estimates, and client reports
• Support procurement, tendering, and contract administration
• Contribute to risk and value management
• Help prepare valuations, forecasts, and reconciliations
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and colleagues to ensure smooth delivery
• Ensure high-quality work is delivered on time and to company standards

Qualifications :

• Working towards a degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, or another RICS-accredited subject
• 0–2 years’ industry experience (including placements or graduate roles)
• Knowledge of JCT / NEC contracts (desirable)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• IT literate (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn

Employee Benefits :

• 24 days annual leave (plus option to buy up to 10 extra days)
• Private health insurance
• Life assurance & critical illness cover
• Pension scheme
• Annual professional membership fees covered
• Bespoke training & development plans
• Health & wellbeing initiatives (EAP, cycle to work, gym discounts)

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” (includes nationality, national / ethnic origins, colour), marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, gender reassignment, religion, and belief.