Cost Manager (Water, Energy, Defence, Infrastructure - PMCM)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Health & Wellbeing support

Training and mentoring opportunities

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Quantity Surveyor to join their team in Bristol. This role involves managing pre- and post-contract QS services, mentoring staff, and leading projects across multiple sectors.

The ideal candidate will have MRICS or Assoc RICS, and experience in QS/Cost management. The position promotes work-life balance with a flexible hybrid working policy, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• MRICS or Assoc RICS or working towards a professional qualification.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in QS/Cost and Commercial competencies.

Responsibilities

• Play a pivotal role in pre- and post-contract QS services.
• Lead QS/commercial team and manage projects.
• Deliver project leadership and training to staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical ability

Leadership experience

Education

MRICS or Assoc RICS or working towards

Degree or higher education qualification

Tools

CostX

CEMAR

Job description

Role Overview

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

You will play a pivotal role in pre‑ and post‑contract Quantity Surveying (QS) or Cost & Commercial Management services to our clients – including estimating, cost planning, procurement, cost assurance, and post‑contract financial/commercial management of projects ranging in size and complexity. Depending on seniority and experience you could be involved in delivering QS/commercial projects, leading a QS/commercial team, training and mentoring staff, bid writing, winning work, people leadership and management, representing WSP UK at industry events, etc.

Team and Location

You will join a diverse, growing team of Quantity Surveyors, Cost Managers and Commercial Managers and other related professionals who work across multiple sectors. You will be part of our Project Management and Commercial Management Team (PMCM) – made up of approximately 500 colleagues across the UK. This team provides Quantity Surveying/Cost and Commercial Management, Programme and Project Management and Project Controls services to deliver both Building and Infrastructure projects for public and private clients. You will be within one of our four groups – Civil Infrastructure and Utilities. You will be based in the WSP Bristol office working hybrid (3 days per week in office).

Essential Qualifications

• MRICS or Assoc RICS or working towards a professional qualification
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Applicable knowledge, ability and experience around QS/Cost and Commercial competencies required by relevant professional institutions
• Demonstrable management, project leadership and delivery experience at senior level (where applicable)

Desirable Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a keen attention to detail
• Adaptable and flexible approach to workload
• Alternative relevant professional qualification or working towards (e.g. CICES, AcostE)
• Experience in public sector or heavy industry projects
• Ability to travel from base office or home to site, client/project team offices, other WSP offices, and project locations
• Passion about making a difference and wanting to be part of a dynamic team
• Hold a degree or similar higher education qualification
• Proven organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Not afraid to challenge the status quo to try innovative solutions and learn from past experiences
• Familiarity or working knowledge of specialist software such as CostX and CEMAR
• Working knowledge/experience of NEC Contracts and other industry standard contract forms
• Collaboration with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders
• Prior experience in a QS/Cost and Commercial Management role in a consultant, contractor, or client organisation – particularly in sectors: water, energy, environment, infrastructure, or transportation

Benefits

Work‑life balance

Hybrid working policy offers flexibility to work from home two days a week, with opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Health & Wellbeing

Supportive programs: Thrive program, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, and comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex Your Time

WSP My Hour allows taking one hour each day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time earlier or later. Part‑time, flexible working arrangements, additional leave options, and flexible bank holiday entitlement also available.

Your Development

Training, mentoring and Chartership opportunities to support professional growth.

We are a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion inclusive Employer. We 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.