Cost Manager (Health and Life Sciences)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Access to a Virtual GP service

Regular personal time off

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is looking for a skilled Cost Manager to support the delivery of projects in the health and life sciences sectors. Responsibilities include managing tender processes, preparing estimates, and ensuring strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Quantity Surveying or a related field, with a strong desire to develop a career as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. A hybrid working policy offers flexibility and work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Degree level education or equivalent in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management.
• Desire to develop a career and become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.
• Competence in financial management and project controls.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of projects across health and life sciences sectors.
• Manage tender processes and produce cost reports.
• Prepare estimates and cost plans, ensuring strong cost control.

Skills

Project delivery

Tender management

Cost management

Construction industry knowledge

Risk management

Strong communication

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management

Job description

About WSP

WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms, with over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland and a global team working to create positive, long‑lasting impacts on communities.

Role Overview

As a Cost Manager you will support the delivery of projects across the health and life sciences sectors and be part of a dynamic team responsible for providing full cost management services from initial feasibility through to completion on complex refurbishments and new‑build schemes. You will deliver 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 an 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.
• Active engagement in value and risk management, having facilitated structured risk workshops and delivered value engineering proposals.

Qualifications

• Degree level education or equivalent in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management.
• Desire to develop a 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 skills, ability to perform client‑facing duties and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Commercial awareness, a logical thinker, who works efficiently and accurately to high standards.

Benefits

Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy offering flexibility to work from home two days a week.

Inclusivity & Belonging: welcoming applicants from varied backgrounds and encouraging authentic selves.

Health & Wellbeing: access to a Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, and a menopause support package.

Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, plus part‑time and flexible working arrangements, purchase of additional leave, and use of bank holiday entitlement.

Development: training, mentoring and chartership support.

Equal Opportunities

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 interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.