Project Cost Consultant

Poutrix; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Arcadis is seeking a skilled Cost/Commercial Manager to support a varied portfolio of highways, rail and aviation projects across the UK. You will handle cost monitoring, forecasting and commercial reporting, ensuring compliance with client expectations and NEC3/NEC4 contract mechanisms.

You will work closely with clients, contractors and internal teams, providing guidance on risk, budgets and cost plans while delivering value and continuous improvement in cost management processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in cost or commercial management within infrastructure, transport or construction projects.
• Experience working with NEC3/NEC4 contracts and application of contract mechanisms is essential.
• Ability to analyse data, interpret cost information and produce accurate commercial documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of cost management services across Rail, Highway and Aviation projects within the Mobility portfolio.
• Manage cost monitoring, forecasting and variance analysis for allocated projects.
• Prepare and contribute to cost plans, budgets, estimates and commercial reports for decision‑making.
• Assist senior colleagues with management of small to medium‑scale commissions or key components of larger assignments.
• Identify risks and issues, escalating to senior team members as appropriate.

Skills

Cost management

Analytical skills

Communication

Contract awareness

Planning & budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent

RICS qualification or near attainment

Tools

NEC3/NEC4 contracts

Cost control processes

Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.Role description:Our Mobility Commercial Management team in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds & York is growing, creating an excellent opportunity to work across a varied portfolio of Highways and Aviation projects throughout the UK. You will be responsible for small projects or defined elements of larger cost management commissions, ensuring all work is delivered to agreed standards and in line with client expectations.The role includes regular site engagement and requires strong analytical skills, clear communication and confidence when working with contractors, consultants and internal teams.Role accountabilities:Support the delivery of cost management services across Rail, Highway and Aviation projects within the Mobility portfolio.Manage cost monitoring, forecasting and variance analysis for allocated projects, working within established financial processes.Prepare and contribute to cost plans, budgets, estimates and commercial reports to support effective decision‑making.Assist senior colleagues with the management of small to medium‑scale commissions or key components of larger assignments.Identify risks, issues and commercial challenges, escalating to senior team members where appropriate.Provide guidance on risk and compliance principles, ensuring work aligns with organisational procedures.Build effective working relationships with clients, contractors and internal stakeholders through clear and professional communication.Contribute to continuous improvement by helping to refine cost management processes and promote service innovationQualifications & Experience:A minimum of 5 years’ experience in cost or commercial management within infrastructure, transport or construction projects.Experience within the Rail, Highway or Aviation sectors is advantageous.Experience working with NEC3/NEC4 contracts, including application of contract mechanisms, managing compensation events and supporting compliant commercial delivery is a must.Strong technical capability, with the ability to analyse data, interpret cost information and produce accurate commercial documentation.Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across multi‑disciplinary teams.Proven ability to prioritise workload, work independently and remain organised under pressure.Solid understanding of construction processes and cost management methodologies.Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent in a relevant discipline.Near‑attainment or attainment of a relevant professional qualification (e.g., RICS); CSCS card holder or willingness to obtain.Why Arcadis?We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.Together, we can create a lasting legacy.Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & BelongingWe want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We believe that by working together diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we improve quality of life and we work closely with our people across six ED&I Workstreams: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success.