Intern - Cost Management

Gardiner and Theobald LLP; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Gardiner and Theobald LLP in Edinburgh invites applications for an Intern - Cost Management. This Industry Insights placement will expose you to cost management on construction projects, from cost plans to cash flows and contract documents, under supervision.

You'll measure drawings (CostX), support cost data collection, and help prepare financial reports. As part of the QS team, you will gain broad exposure to the construction and property industry, work independently where possible, and

Qualifications

• Good A-Level grades, or an equivalent qualification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage workload effectively and work to deadlines.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent working knowledge of current IT systems and applications.
• Understanding of the importance of client care and developing strong professional relationships.
• Trustworthy, reliable and professional in all aspects of work.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks efficiently.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proactive and adaptable, with a flexible approach to changing situations and requirements.
• Demonstrates commitment, dedication and a positive attitude.
• Enthusiasm for learning and ongoing personal development.
• Genuine interest in the construction and property industry.

Responsibilities

• Measuring drawings produced by the Design Team, using measurement software such as CostX.
• Assisting with the preparation of cost plans.
• Assisting with the preparation of elements of contract documentation, including preliminaries and pricing documents.
• Attending site visits and supporting the valuation of works completed to date, preparing the relevant analysis and documentation to facilitate payment.
• Supporting value engineering activities to identify opportunities for cost savings and more efficient use of project budgets.
• Assisting team members with the collection, recording and maintenance of project data.

Skills

Excellent written & verbal comms

Workload management

Team collaboration

Client care & relationships

Strong organisational skills

Independent & collaborative work

Proactive & adaptable

Enthusiasm for learning

Construction & property interest

Attention to detail

Education

A-Levels or equivalent

Tools

CostX

Job description

Intern - Cost Management

Application Deadline: 31 January 2027

Department: QS

Employment Type: Internship

Location: G&T Edinburgh

Description

Summary The role of a cost manager is to manage the cost and legal processes of a construction project. As a Cost Manager, your primary responsibility is to help ensure projects are delivered within the client's approved budget.

This includes preparing cost plans, forecasts, cash flow projections, contract documentation and financial reports, while providing clients with clear and accurate advice throughout the project lifecycle. Effective communication and strong attention to detail are key to the role, enabling Cost Managers to keep clients informed of project finances and proactively manage associated risks.

Role Overview As an Intern, you will be enrolled in G&T's Industry Insights Programme, designed to provide you with a broad understanding of the role of a Cost Manager, the wider business, and the construction and property industry.

Working as part of a team, you will support a variety of day-to-day project activities under the guidance of your supervisor. You will be encouraged to take ownership of tasks and work independently where appropriate, while also recognising when to seek support and guidance to achieve the best outcomes.

The role offers a varied experience, with the nature of the work depending on the team, projects and sector in which you are placed. This will provide valuable insight into the profession and exposure to a range of real-world project environments.

General Responsibilities

In conjunction with your line manager, the internship will typically include experience in the following are:

• Measuring drawings produced by the Design Team, either manually or using measurement software such as CostX.
• Using measurements and an understanding of construction processes to assist in the preparation of cost plans.
• Assisting with the preparation of elements of contract documentation, including preliminaries and pricing documents.
• Attending site visits and supporting the valuation of works completed to date, preparing the relevant analysis and documentation in accordance with contract requirements to facilitate payment.
• Supporting the team in undertaking value engineering activities to identify opportunities for cost savings and more efficient use of project budgets.
• Assisting team members with the collection, recording and maintenance of project data.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Good A-Level grades, or an equivalent qualification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage workload effectively and work to deadlines.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent working knowledge of current IT systems and applications.
• Understanding of the importance of client care and developing strong professional relationships.
• Trustworthy, reliable and professional in all aspects of work.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks efficiently.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proactive and adaptable, with a flexible approach to changing situations and requirements.
• Demonstrates commitment, dedication and a positive attitude.
• Enthusiasm for learning and ongoing personal development.
• Genuine interest in the construction and property industry.

Programme Duration

4-12 Weeks

Please note the following prior to applying for this role:

1.0 Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor or support work visa applications for Early Talent roles. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of their employment.

2.0 We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close applications early if all available positions have been filled before the advertised closing date.

3.0 Due to the high volume of applications received for our Early Talent opportunities, we can only consider one application per candidate per academic year. If multiple applications are submitted, only the first application received will be reviewed and progressed through the recruitment process.