Programme Cost Control Manager

TN United Kingdom; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK seeks a Programme Cost Management Lead to establish and oversee the Cost Management function. The role involves cost forecasting, reporting, and collaboration with various teams to ensure effective programme delivery. Candidates should have significant experience in cost management and relevant qualifications. This hybrid position offers competitive benefits and requires UK national security clearance.

Benefits

Pension scheme (8% company contribution / 4% personal contribution)

25 days’ paid annual leave + bank holidays

Professional fees reimbursed

Flexible working

Employee referral scheme

Qualifications

• 5+ years' senior-level experience in major programmes.
• Deep expertise in cost management and EVM techniques.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Set up and own the Cost Management function.
• Provide accurate cost actuals and in-year forecasts.
• Lead the rollout of Earned Value Management across the Programme.

Skills

Cost Management

EVM Techniques

Problem Solving

Communication

Continuous Improvement

Education

Project Cost Control Management qualification(s)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

SharePoint

Job description

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This embedded role for one of our major clients will report to the Client's Programme Controls and Integration Manager, occasionally receiving tasking from the Programme Director, Programme Manager, the Client's Capital Programmes PMO, and other programme-related personnel.

Programme Cost Management Lead – Summary of Responsibilities:

• Set Up & Own the Cost Management Function: Support Programme Controls Manager to establish the Cost Control & Management function. Develop and maintain the Cost Management Plan.
• Cost Forecasting & Planning: Provide accurate cost actuals and in-year forecasts. Align forecasts with annual budget cycles and programme plans.
• Cost Control & Reporting: Monitor costs and forecasts to ensure affordability. Lead the rollout of Earned Value Management (EVM) across the Programme. Prepare timely cost reports and financial insights for stakeholders.
• Performance Metrics & Analysis: Develop cost performance KPIs and reporting dashboards. Perform deep-dive variance analysis to explain differences between forecast and actuals.
• Change Control & Governance: Track cost impacts of Programme changes and support change control boards. Assist with building broader Programme Control capabilities and governance frameworks.
• Collaboration & Best Practice: Liaise with Delivery Agents, Planning, and Finance teams for integrated cost views. Promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across agencies.
• Leadership & Oversight: Lead the cost function via matrix management across the Programme. Ensure consistent, quality-driven cost reporting aligned with Finance team needs.

Qualifications

Key Skillset Required:

• 5+ years' senior-level experience leading teams and managing costs on major programmes.
• Skilled in generating and presenting programme reports to senior leadership.
• Proactive problem-solver, with a strong drive for continuous improvement.
• Deep expertise in cost management function setup, programme cost monitoring, and EVM techniques — including reviewing and challenging 3rd-party inputs.
• Hands-on experience with integrated cost control across all stages of the project/programme lifecycle.
• Solid grasp of project controls disciplines: planning, scheduling, and progress tracking.
• Strong knowledge of risk and opportunity management, and how they relate to planning/programming.
• Clear understanding of delay and change mechanisms — causes, evidence, and demonstration.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint; familiarity with Power BI and SharePoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Training & Qualifications

• Relevant Project Cost Control Management qualification(s).
• Member of a relevant professional body.

Additional Information

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will require Security clearance. They will be required to be a UK national, hybrid working from home/Assystem Office.

Benefits include:

• Pension scheme (8% company contribution / 4% personal contribution)
• 25 days’ paid annual leave + bank holidays + option to buy or sell days
• Professional fees reimbursed
• Flexible working
• Employee referral scheme

Predominantly WFH. Monthly travel to site for some key meetings is required.

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote diversity within our company. Skills, talent, and the ability to contribute are what matter. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.