Cost Manager / Senior Cost Manager - MEP

Rider Levett Bucknall; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Working

Private healthcare

APC mentoring

Season ticket loan

Enhanced annual leave

Job summary

Rider Levett Bucknall is seeking a Cost Manager / Senior Cost Manager for MEP in London. You will work within CMES to lead cost planning, procurement and delivery of complex MEP schemes.

The role requires strong MEP cost expertise, client liaison, and delivery leadership across multiple disciplines, with a path to seniority in a collaborative, hybrid-working environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline.
• MRICS or working towards is preferred.
• Experience with MEP cost management on major projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support delivery of major MEP cost plans.
• Provide procurement and commercial management advice for projects.
• Drive programmes and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Identify and resolve technical and commercial challenges.
• Collaborate with clients, contractors and design teams.
• Support growth of the CMES team.

Skills

MEP cost planning

Commercial management

Contract administration

Client liaison

Project delivery

Education

MRICS or equivalent

Tools

CostX

Excel

AutoCAD

Job description

Cost Manager / Senior Cost Manager - MEP

Department: Cost Management

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: London

Reporting To: Associate / Partner

Description

Title: Cost Manager - MEP

Discipline: Cost Management Engineering Services (CMES)

Seniority Level: Assistant Cost Manager, Cost Manager, Senior Cost Manager

Location: London (With Hybrid Working)

Reporting to: Associate / Partner

Why RLB?

At RLB, we live by four simple ideas: Truth, Trust, Together, Tomorrow. Four values that live at the heart of RLB. A place where People Make Progress. We value your skills, talents and unique perspectives – we think they are priceless. Bring them to RLB and you’ll be empowered to shape our future and your career in new and meaningful ways. We’ll give you opportunities to work on some of the most ambitious and exciting projects currently being designed and developed in the built environment sector. You’ll continue to learn and advance as everyone who works for us is provided with a tailored training programme. Our mentoring and reverse mentoring schemes will enable you to share your expertise while gaining fresh insights. What makes RLB unique is our inclusive culture. As an independent, employee‑owned business, teamwork and collaboration lies at the heart of everything we do. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements and family‑friendly policies are just some of the ways we invest in employee wellbeing. Join us and you will thrive personally as well as professionally.

RLB’s Cost Management Engineering Services Team

Rider Levett Bucknall's Cost Management Engineering Services (CMES) Team is one of the UK's leading independent MEP cost and project delivery teams. We support clients in the planning, procurement and delivery of major MEP infrastructure projects across a wide range of sectors within the built environment. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of MEP systems, market dynamics and the technical and commercial drivers that influence critical project decisions. Our expertise extends beyond traditional MEP cost management, enabling us to provide strategic advice and hands‑on project delivery throughout the entire project lifecycle. Joining RLB's CMES team means becoming part of a high performing, ambitious and supportive group of professionals helping to shape the future of the UK's built environment. We offer genuine opportunities for professional development, career progression and exposure to some of the industry's most complex, high value and technically challenging projects.

Role Overview

As part of the continued growth of our CMES team, Rider Levett Bucknall is seeking Assistant Cost Managers, Cost Managers and Senior Cost Managers to support the delivery of some of London's largest and most complex MEP replacement and infrastructure projects. We are looking for individuals with a strong technical foundation in MEP systems who can bring both commercial and delivery expertise to major projects. Successful candidates will have a genuine understanding of how MEP systems are designed, costed, measured, procured, coordinated and delivered within the wider construction process.

Role Responsibilities

We are seeking project delivery professionals who thrive in complex environments and enjoy being at the centre of major projects. The role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead and support the delivery of major MEP projects from inception through to completion.
• Provide robust MEP cost planning, procurement and commercial management advice – understanding schematics and nuances of MEP cost planning.
• Drive project programmes, manage key stakeholder interfaces and support critical decision‑making.
• Identify and resolve technical, commercial and delivery challenges.
• Work closely with clients, contractors and design teams to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Contribute to the continued growth and development of a market‑leading MEP consultancy team.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead project delivery in accordance with the client's chosen form of construction contract, while working collaboratively within our 20‑person MEP team. Strong communication skills, a proactive approach and the ability to operate effectively within multidisciplinary project teams are essential.

Why Join CMES?

• Be part of one of the UK's leading independent MEP specialist teams.
• Work on some of London's most significant and technically challenging MEP projects.
• Gain exposure to both commercial management and project delivery responsibilities.
• Benefit from a clear career development pathway and ongoing professional support.
• Join a collaborative and highly experienced team recognised for its technical excellence and market‑leading expertise.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or similar construction related technical discipline.
• Chartered / Professionally Qualified (MRICS or equivalent) or working towards.

Experience

• Previously employed by a consultancy or contractor in a similar role.
• Experience of MEP systems essential.
• A track record of working with teams to prioritise workloads and deliver to deadlines.

RLB Employee Benefits

Our culture is built around enabling you to fulfil your potential, so you can look forward to benefits that include:

• Hybrid Working - Working patterns to support your work‑life balance. As well as competitive maternity and paternity packages.
• Well‑Rewarded - A competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement. As well as the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days.
• Focus On Wellbeing - We offer a number of health and wellness options, including gym membership and cycle to work schemes.
• Healthcare Packages - Private healthcare insurance and medical support, including dental insurance and eyecare vouchers.
• Personal Development - A continuous learning and development programme, including established APC and in‑house mentoring schemes.
• Additional Benefits - We offer a wide range of benefits including a season ticket loan and professional membership subscriptions.
• Exceptional Exposure - You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different sectors and regions.
• Social Responsibility - We hold team and social events as well as charity fundraising and volunteering activities.

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment

We believe in building a diverse and inclusive environment where each person can be themselves, feel valued for their contribution and be challenged and supported to reach their full potential. We have a responsibility to support the communities in which we live and work, and that our workforce should reflect these communities and our clients. Our talent strategy should enable us to overcome bias in the construction industry by recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. Find out more here: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - RLB | Europe