Graduate Cost Manager - Nottingham

Gleeds; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Competitive salary

Global opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Great Place To Work 2026

Job summary

Gleeds is launching its construct graduate programme for 2027, offering real project experience and guidance from industry experts. We back accreditation costs and provide access to industry bodies such as RICS, CIOB and APM to help you qualify as a chartered professional.

You’ll work with experienced Cost Managers across cost planning, procurement, contract management and cost control to deliver value on complex projects in the built environment.

Qualifications

• A degree or masters completed or completing by August 2027 in quantity surveying, surveying, construction management, mathematics or physics.
• Right to live and work in the UK.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Enthusiasm, adaptability, and a team mindset.

Responsibilities

• Assist with estimating, planning, tendering, and contract management.
• Support Cost Managers in providing accurate outputs across projects.
• Contribute to high‑quality service delivery and cost control from design through close‑out.
• Help manage tender processes and documentation.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver world‑class projects.

Skills

Communication

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Quantity Surveying or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Launch your career with Gleeds – a global consultancy shaping the future of the built environment.

Our Construct graduate programme

We’re looking to bring onboard our 2027 graduate quantity surveyors. If you're looking for a place that champions your growth, supports your journey to full qualification, and gives you the chance to work on world‑class projects, then the Gleeds construct graduate programme is where your future begins.

At Gleeds, we believe in creating long‑term relationships with not only our clients, but our people as well. We have a proven track record of supporting our graduates as they grow, helping them become the best version of themselves both professionally and personally – creating a workplace that is efficient, inclusive, and fun to be a part of.

What we’ll give you

• Real project experience
• Support and guidance from industry experts
• Professional reviews and development support
• Full backing to achieve chartered status (RICS, CIOB, APM, and more)

Professional accreditation support

• Full financial support for accreditation costs
• Help with paperwork and application processes
• Access to industry‑recognised training
• Depending on your role, you’ll work towards chartered status with leading professional bodies such as RICS, CIOB, APM, and more.

The role

Ready to shape the future of construction cost management? At Gleeds, you’ll do more than crunch numbers — you’ll help deliver projects that transform communities. As a Graduate Quantity Surveyor, you’ll have unlimited access to our experts, all with years of experience across the industry. They’ll guide you as you gain hands‑on experience in estimating, planning, tendering, and contract management.

Cost management and quantity surveying

Our cost managers keep construction projects financially on track - from the first sketches to the final sign-off. They manage costs, contracts, and procurement to ensure everything runs smoothly and stays within budget.

• Cost planning: Estimating budgets and costs throughout the design process.
• Procurement: Advising on how to hire contractors and managing the tender process.
• Contract management: Drafting contracts, handling changes, and resolving disputes.
• Cost control: Monitoring spending, forecasting cash flow, and maximising value.
• Project close‑out: Finalising accounts, ensuring payments, and reviewing performance.

Your role will encompass (but is not limited to) the following:

• Contribute to high-quality service delivery across projects.
• Support Cost Managers in providing accurate and timely outputs.
• Assist with preparing cost estimates, cost plans, cost‑in‑use studies, and tender documentation.
• Help manage tender processes, including evaluations and reporting.
• Support contract administration, valuations, payments, final accounts, and client reporting.

What we’re looking for

• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Confidence with MS Office tools
• Enthusiasm, adaptability, and a team mindset
• Right to live and work in the UK
• A degree or masters (completed or completing by August 2027) within quantity surveying, surveying, construction management, mathematics or physics.

If this sounds like you, we’d be delighted to receive your application and support you on your journey to becoming a fully accredited member of the Gleeds team.

Want to know more: Early careers brochure - Discover your potential

What benefits can you expect from Gleeds

• Structured professional and personal development through our construct graduate programme.
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional days.
• Highly competitive salary and the opportunity to increase this through continuous reviews.
• Volunteering opportunities to engage with your local community or charitable organisations.
• Employee Assistance Programme to ensure your health and personal well‑being comes first.
• Expand your horizons with global opportunities available to everyone.
• Agile ways of working arrangements to ensure you have a healthy work‑life balance.
• A supportive and people‑focused company that is a recognised Great Place To Work 2026
• Access to a health cash plan, which includes access to discounts on gym memberships, health products and experience days.

About us

Gleeds is a global property and construction consultancy with over 150 years of expertise, operating in 28 countries worldwide. From iconic landmarks to critical infrastructure, we drive innovation, sustainability and value, delivering transformative projects that shape communities and redefine the built environment.

Gleeds is committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. We uphold the principles of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) and embrace the diversity of our teams. As an equal opportunities employer, we provide support, flexibility and accessibility for all. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact our Talent Team at [email protected].