Mechanical Design Engineer

Turner Townsend; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A global project management firm is seeking a Project Management Business professional in Reading. In this role, you'll collaborate with the Integrated Project Team, ensuring cost control processes are met. Responsibilities include developing cost tracking tools, preparing cost reports, and updating project forecasts. You must have significant experience in cost controls, particularly within the Defence or infrastructure sectors, alongside relevant qualifications. The position emphasizes stakeholder engagement and collaborative teamwork.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Diverse and inclusive culture

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in cost control and project controls within complex, large‑scale infrastructure or Defence sector programmes.
• Strong understanding of cost management principles including budgeting, forecasting, accruals, earned value management (EVM).
• Experience producing high‑quality cost reports and dashboards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the creation of Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) and align them with project schedules.
• Prepare accruals for accurate reflection of ACWP.
• Generate regular cost reports, including Earned Value Analysis (EVA).
• Deliver timely cost information for status reporting.

Skills

Cost control

Project controls

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership skills

Cost performance analysis

Microsoft Excel

Cost Management tools

Education

Degree in a relevant technical, engineering, or management discipline

Membership of a recognised professional body (APM, RICS)

Tools

ECOSYS

PRISM

COBRA

Job description

Location

Reading, United Kingdom

Overview

Work as a Project Management Business (PMB) in collaboration with the Integrated Project Team, ensuring alignment with the change control process. Assist in the creation of Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) and align time‑phased budgets with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to enable accurate cost tracking and control. Prepare accruals to ensure timely and accurate reflection of the Actual Cost of Work Performed (ACWP) in project cost data. Develop and maintain cost tracking tools as needed, and generate regular cost reports, including Earned Value Analysis (EVA) to assess project performance. Provide cost input to support the development of Change Requests, participate in change control boards, and integrate approved changes into the project baseline. Update project forecasts to maintain an accurate and comprehensive Estimate to Complete (ETC). Deliver timely and accurate cost information to support project status reporting, performance management, and informed decision‑making by project leadership.

We are looking for the right people to join a high‑performing, collaborative team committed to delivering world‑class outcomes for our growing network of Defence clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the creation of Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) and align them with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and project schedules.
• Prepare accruals for accurate reflection of ACWP.
• Develop and maintain cost tracking tools.
• Generate regular cost reports, including Earned Value Analysis (EVA).
• Provide cost input for Change Requests and participate in change control boards.
• Integrate approved changes into the project baseline.
• Update project forecasts and maintain an accurate Estimate to Complete (ETC).
• Deliver timely cost information for status reporting and decision‑making.
• Collaborate with project delivery teams to support the cost control function.
• Implement, administer, and maintain cost control systems and procedures.
• Support development of a robust integrated Performance Measurement Baseline.
• Coordinate contractors, consultants, and advisors across multiple concurrent projects.

Experience and Skills

• Proven experience in cost control and project controls within complex, large‑scale infrastructure or Defence sector programmes.
• Strong understanding of cost management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, accruals, earned value management (EVM), and cost performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) and align them with Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and project schedules.
• Experience producing high‑quality cost reports and dashboards, with the ability to communicate complex financial data clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills, with experience managing or mentoring junior cost professionals and working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Sector‑specific experience in Defence or Nuclear industries, with an understanding of the regulatory, commercial, and security frameworks that govern these environments.
• Proven ability to build and maintain trusted advisor relationships with clients, contributing to long‑term partnerships and repeat business.
• Experience coordinating contractors, consultants, and advisors across multiple, concurrent projects, ensuring alignment and delivery against programme objectives.
• Practical experience using Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications for cost tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Proficiency in Cost Management tools and software, such as ECOSYS, PRISM, COBRA or similar platforms.
• Awareness of how cost control integrates with other project controls disciplines, including scheduling, risk management, reporting, and change control, with the ability to collaborate effectively across these functions.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with UK Government departments and agencies, particularly on complex infrastructure or capital investment programmes.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary project teams, fostering collaboration and delivering successful outcomes through strategic direction and influence.
• Broader project management expertise, including change management, stakeholder engagement, and governance across the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Must hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK Ministry of Defence Security Clearance (SC or higher); UK passport required.
• Degree qualified in a relevant technical, engineering, or management discipline, or possess equivalent professional qualifications and demonstrable experience in Cost Control.
• Membership of a recognised professional body such as the Association for Project Management (APM) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
• A UK driving licence or the ability to travel to client sites across the region as required is essential.

Additional Information

We support a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work‑life balance. Turner & Townsend is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.