Lead Cost Engineer — Complex Programs & Team Growth

UK Atomic Energy Authority; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£71,815 salary inclusive of specialist

Up to 7% corporate performance bonus

Final salary defined benefits pension

25 days annual leave

Job summary

UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to lead cost estimating, forecasting and control across high-value projects. You will work with programme managers, finance teams and technical specialists to ensure robust financial control and informed decision-making.

You will also lead and develop a team of Cost Engineers, driving continuous improvement across the organisation's project delivery capability and working onsite 3–5 days per week.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering cost estimating and cost control for large, complex programmes (typically £100m+).
• Strong knowledge of cost management methodologies, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Experience presenting cost and budget information to senior stakeholders and governance boards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; able to influence across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience leading, developing and managing high-performing cost teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost estimating, forecasting and cost control activities for complex programmes and projects.
• Develop and maintain robust project budgets, cost baselines and financial forecasts.
• Partner with programme teams and Finance to deliver accurate reporting, variance analysis and EAC forecasting.
• Provide expert advice on cost management, estimating strategies and project controls.
• Integrate cost, schedule and risk information to support planning and decision-making.
• Analyse performance trends, identify opportunities for improvement and champion best practice in cost management.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of Cost Engineers; support growth and capability.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, including suppliers and senior leaders.
• Support strategic resource planning and development of project delivery capability.

Skills

Cost estimating

Cost control

Budgeting

Forecasting

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Project governance

Education

APM PMQ/PRINCE2 Practitioner

Job description

UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to lead cost estimating, forecasting and control across high-value projects. You will work with programme managers, finance teams and technical specialists to ensure robust financial control and informed decision-making.

You will also lead and develop a team of Cost Engineers, driving continuous improvement across the organisation's project delivery capability and working onsite 3–5 days per week.