Cost Manager (Health and Life Sciences)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Work-life balance initiatives

Health & wellbeing programmes

Flexible working arrangements

Development and training opportunities

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Cost Manager based in Birmingham to support projects in health and life sciences sectors. The role involves full cost management services from feasibility through to completion, ensuring strong cost control throughout project lifecycles.

Candidates should have a degree in Quantity Surveying or related field and a desire to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. This position offers a hybrid working policy and various health and wellbeing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management.
• Desire to develop into a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.
• Demonstrable track record of successful project outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Manage tender processes including production of reports.
• Assist in the cost management of projects throughout the lifecycle.
• Undertake monthly assessments for payment.
• Prepare estimates and cost plans using the NRM-based approach.

Skills

Project controls

Financial management

Strong communication

Commercial awareness

Logical thinking

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management

Job description

Job Description

As a Cost Manager you will support the delivery of projects across health and life sciences sectors, providing full cost management services from initial feasibility through to completion on complex refurbishments and new‑build schemes. You will develop robust cost plans, support procurement and tendering, administer contracts, and ensure strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle. You will work closely with NHS trusts, science clients, and design teams.

Responsibilities

• Experience in project delivery utilising all common procurement and contract strategies.
• Managing tender processes including production of Tender and Value for Money reports.
• Assist in the cost management of projects through the entire project lifecycle.
• Preparation of estimates and cost plans using the NRM‑based approach.
• Preparation of pricing schedules, tender and contract documentation.
• Undertake monthly assessments for payment.
• Construction phase cost management including attending site meetings, negotiating and agreeing variations with the contractor and preparing the monthly cost report to the client.
• Produce cost reports and cashflows, presenting to stakeholders, and supporting the preparation of business cases for public funding approval.
• Familiarity with the construction industry and ability to work within a fast‑paced consultancy environment.
• Actively engaged in value and risk management, having facilitated structured risk workshops and delivered value engineering proposals.

Qualifications and Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management.
• A desire to develop your career and become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.
• Demonstrable track record of successful outcomes and ability to work under own initiative.
• Understanding of typical traditional and design and build contract T&Cs and mechanisms commonly used in the UK.
• Competence in project controls and financial management, maintaining accurate reporting across all project stages and ensuring compliance with client funding requirements and audit standards.
• Strong communication, ability to perform client‑facing duties and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Commercial awareness, logical thinking, and an ability to work efficiently and accurately to high standards.

Benefits

• Hybrid working policy: work from home up to two days per week with office collaboration.
• Work‑life balance initiatives, including the WSP My Hour allowing one hour each day for personal activities.
• Inclusive culture that welcomes applicants of varied backgrounds and experiences.
• Health & wellbeing programmes: Thrive, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, menopause support package.
• Flexible working arrangements, part‑time options, and the ability to purchase additional leave or use bank holiday entitlement.
• Development and training opportunities, mentoring, and support for chartership.

EEO Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.