Life Sciences Lab Project Cost Lead

Arcadis; Oxford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Arcadis is expanding its Life Sciences & Research Cost Management team in Oxford and seeks an experienced Project Cost Manager. You will lead cost planning, procurement support, and commercial reporting for laboratory and specialist facilities, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams on new builds and refurbishments.

The role emphasizes strong cost management, communication with clients, vendor negotiations, and mentoring junior colleagues.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified Quantity Surveyor with Chartered status (MRICS) preferred, or actively working towards professional qualification.
• Experience in cost management within laboratory, research, life sciences or highly serviced environments.
• Strong experience in cost planning, estimating, procurement, contract administration, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrable commercial acumen, including managing variations, cost risks and budget performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of assigned projects, overseeing cost plans, forecasting, cash flow analysis, and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates, feasibility studies, and benchmarking analyses for life sciences, laboratory, and specialist technical facilities.
• Manage tender processes, evaluate contractor submissions, and support commercial negotiations to secure best value outcomes.
• Administer valuations, payment applications, variations, and change control processes, ensuring effective cost management at every stage.
• Maintain project risk registers and commercial reporting, providing proactive advice to clients and project teams.
• Produce clear and accurate commercial reports, cost forecasts, and financial updates to support informed decision making.
• Collaborate with design and delivery teams to identify value engineering opportunities and mitigate commercial risks.
• Promote the use of digital cost management tools, including CostX and 5D BIM, to improve efficiency, accuracy, and benchmarking capability.
• Support and mentor junior team members, sharing best practice and contributing to the continuous improvement of team processes.

Skills

Cost management

Budget control

Stakeholder management

Communication

CostX

5D BIM

Education

MRICS / Chartered QS

Tools

CostX

5D BIM

Job description

Arcadis is expanding its Life Sciences & Research Cost Management team in Oxford and seeks an experienced Project Cost Manager. You will lead cost planning, procurement support, and commercial reporting for laboratory and specialist facilities, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams on new builds and refurbishments.

The role emphasizes strong cost management, communication with clients, vendor negotiations, and mentoring junior colleagues.