Lead Cost Controller for Multi-Million £ R&D Projects

UK Atomic Energy Authority; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary and benefits package

Performance bonus up to 7%

Final salary pension scheme

25 days annual leave + holidays

Site closure over Christmas

Flexible working options

Job summary

UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a Senior Cost Controller to lead cost management across complex, multi-million-pound R&D programmes. The role focuses on validating forecasts, managing spend, and delivering accurate cost reporting to senior leadership and governance boards.

You will work with Project Managers, planners and commercial teams to align financial data with project timelines, while mentoring junior cost controllers and driving best practices across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in project cost control for large-scale engineering, construction, or energy projects, or 2–5 years in R&D cost control.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and monitor detailed cost control budgets for multi-million-pound projects.
• Track actual costs vs forecasts and identify variances with corrective actions.
• Analyse performance trends and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with project managers, planners and commercial teams to align financial data with timelines.
• Prepare and present cost reports to senior leadership and governance boards.
• Support NEC4 payment processes, validate invoices, and ensure compliance with terms.
• Lead cost risk assessments and contribute to contingency planning.

Skills

Cost control

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Project governance

Education

PM qualification (AACE, PMI, APM, Prince2)

Tools

NEC4

Job description

UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a Senior Cost Controller to lead cost management across complex, multi-million-pound R&D programmes. The role focuses on validating forecasts, managing spend, and delivering accurate cost reporting to senior leadership and governance boards.

You will work with Project Managers, planners and commercial teams to align financial data with project timelines, while mentoring junior cost controllers and driving best practices across the organisation.