Cost Engineer Rail

Carrington West; Dudley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a skilled Cost Engineer to join their team for a 12-month maternity cover contract. This vital role involves monitoring, controlling, and forecasting project costs on a major infrastructure project. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience in cost engineering or 5 years as a Cost Clerk, with a strong background in construction project environments. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, ensuring costs are managed in line with approved budgets while providing insightful analysis and reporting. If you are detail-oriented and possess excellent communication skills, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 2+ years as a Cost Engineer or 5 years as a Cost Clerk in construction.
• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline with strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and forecast project costs throughout the lifecycle.
• Support preparation of cost reports and variance analysis.
• Collaborate with project teams to manage costs effectively.

Skills

Cost Control

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

Degree in Engineering

Degree in Construction Management

Tools

Copernic

JADE

LISA

Job description

Are you a Cost Engineer with experience working for main contractors on construction projects?

Do you have Cost Control experience in labour, plant, or materials?

Salary: £30,000 – £36,000 per annum
Location: Dudley, on site 5 days per week

Employment Type: Fixed term contract for 12 months maternity cover

I am seeking a Cost Engineer to join my client's West Midlands-based team for a 12-month maternity cover contract. This role is vital in supporting the project team with the effective control, reporting, and forecasting of project costs on a major infrastructure project.

About You:

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in a cost engineering role on major projects or 5 years' experience as a Cost Clerk in the rail, engineering, or construction sectors
• Strong background in construction project environments, with experience managing costs across depot, plant, labour, materials, and subcontractor elements
• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline (e.g., Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or similar)
• Ideally a member of ACostE or another recognised professional body
• Familiarity with project cost control systems such as Copernic, JADE, or LISA
• Excellent attention to detail with strong numerical and analytical skills
• Confident communicator with the ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor, control, and forecast project costs throughout the project lifecycle
• Support in the preparation and presentation of cost reports and variance analysis
• Ensure costs are recorded and managed in line with approved budgets
• Work collaboratively with the wider project team, including planners, engineers, and commercial colleagues
• Track and analyse costs related to depot operations, plant, materials, and subcontractor packages
• Identify and analyse trends, risks, and opportunities within the project cost framework
• Assist in the preparation of change control documentation and cost impact assessments