Programme Cost Manager

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Health & wellbeing program

Virtual GP service

Gymflex scheme

Disability Confident leadership

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland Defence and Security division seeks an experienced Cost Manager to support the delivery of major multidisciplinary programmes. You will manage AFPs, coordinate subcontractor rate audits and ensure robust financial governance throughout the programme lifecycle.

You will interface between commercial and finance teams, handle sensitive data with discretion, and contribute to monthly reporting and cost analysis to drive value for clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering cost-reimbursable contracts and understanding rate build-ups.
• Ownership of AFPs across programmes with accurate submission timelines.
• Extraction and interrogation of data from Oracle HR and finance systems to support reporting.
• Lead and coordinate subcontractor audits of rates for contractual compliance and value.
• Act as primary liaison between commercial and finance teams to ensure reconciliations.

Responsibilities

• Manage all AFPs across the programme, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Lead subcontractor audits of rates to verify contractual compliance.
• Extract and interrogate data from the Oracle HR/Finance system for cost reporting.
• Drive reconciliation processes between commercial and finance to ensure alignment.
• Prepare monthly commercial and contract reporting and maintain robust documentation.

Skills

Cost management

AFP management

Subcontractor audits

Data extraction from Oracle HR/Finance

Commercial-finance liaison

Governance & compliance

Tools

Oracle HR/Finance system

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you. To find out more about our Defence and Security business click on the following link and discover what awaits you at WSP- Defence and Security Consultants | WSP. As a Cost Manager you will support the delivery of major multidisciplinary programmes and be part of a dynamic team responsible for providing full cost management services across complex, high-value schemes. You will manage all Applications for Payment (AFP) across the programme, lead subcontractor audits of rates, and act as the key interface between the commercial and finance teams to ensure accurate reconciliation and robust financial governance throughout the programme lifecycle.

• Experience in project delivery utilising cost reimbursable contract strategies, including the calculation of complex reimbursable rates.


• Management and ownership of all AFPs across the programme, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission.


• Extraction and interrogation of data from our Oracle based HR and finance system to support cost reporting and analysis.


• Lead and coordinate subcontractor audits of rates, ensuring contractual compliance and value for money.


• Support audit justifications, maintaining thorough and defensible documentation in line with client funding requirements.


• Act as the primary liaison between the commercial and finance teams, driving reconciliation processes and ensuring alignment across both functions.


• Handle sensitive commercial and personnel data with appropriate discretion and in accordance with data governance requirements.


• Monthly commercial and contract reporting

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate...

• Demonstrable track record of successful outcomes on complex programmes, with the ability to work under own initiative.


• Ability to apply cost reimbursable contracting, including a thorough understanding of rate build-ups and associated audit processes.


• Experience interfacing between commercial and finance functions, with a proven ability to drive reconciliation and resolve discrepancies.


• Proven ability to maintain accurate records and data integrity when working with sensitive information across multiple systems


• Have an ability to communicate technical detail graphically and effectively, with the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you - giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the \"WSP My Hour\", allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.