Senior Cost Consultant London

Cushman & Wakefield; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global real estate services firm is seeking a Senior Cost Consultant to join its team in London. The role involves managing cost plans and budgets for various projects while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Candidates must hold an MRICS qualification and have at least 5 years of experience in quantity surveying. Responsibilities include tendering, contract administration, and client engagement. Excellent communication skills and proficiency in cost estimating software are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Must be a Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS).
• 5 years of quantity surveying experience, especially in commercial or residential projects.
• Proficient in cost estimating software and MS Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost plans and budgets.
• Manage tender documents and evaluate contractor bids.
• Administer standard forms of contract and oversee change control processes.
• Provide financial reports and advise on profitability and risks.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to present financial updates.
• Ensure adherence to RICS standards and mentor junior surveyors.

Skills

Cost Management & Budgeting

Tendering & Procurement

Contract Administration

Project Financial Reporting

Client Engagement

Quality & Compliance

Stakeholder Management

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelors degree in Quantity Surveying

MRICS Qualification

Tools

CostX

WinQS

MS Excel

Job description

Senior Cost Consultant – London

Cushman & Wakefield is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Cost Consultant to join our dynamic team. This role is based in London with a primary office location in central London (e.g. City or West End). Projects are located within London and the surrounding region. Travel to project sites and occasional visits to client offices will be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Cost Management & Budgeting: Lead the preparation of detailed cost plans, budgets and estimates for multiple projects. Monitor expenditures and implement cost control measures to ensure projects remain within budget.
• Tendering & Procurement: Prepare and manage tender documents, bills of quantities and procurement strategies. Evaluate contractor bids and negotiate contracts to achieve best value for clients.
• Contract Administration: Administer standard forms of contract (e.g. JCT or NEC). Oversee change control processes, variations and issue interim and final valuations. Ensure compliance with contractual terms and timely resolution of contractual disputes or claims.
• Project Financial Reporting: Provide regular financial reports and cash flow forecasts to clients and senior management. Advise on project profitability and financial risks and recommend corrective actions when needed.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary cost consultant interface with clients, architects, engineers and contractors. Attend project and site meetings to present financial updates and advise on cost‑related matters. Develop strong relationships to ensure client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to RICS standards and industry best practices in all quantity surveying activities. Mentor junior surveyors promoting continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the team.

Required Qualifications

• MRICS Qualification: Must be a Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence and ethical standards in line with RICS guidelines.
• Education: Bachelors degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics or related field. A Masters degree or post‑graduate diploma in a relevant discipline is advantageous.
• Experience: 5 years of quantity surveying experience with a strong track record in commercial, residential or urban regeneration projects. Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously is essential.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in cost estimating software (e.g. CostX, WinQS) and MS Excel for financial modelling. Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modelling) for quantity take‑off and cost planning is a plus.
• Knowledge: In‑depth knowledge of construction technology, local building regulations and UK procurement law. Skilled in various forms of contracts (JCT, NEC) and dispute resolution methods.

Desired Experience & Skills

• Project Sector Diversity: Demonstrated ability to adapt cost management approaches across commercial office developments, high‑end residential schemes and large‑scale regeneration projects. This includes knowledge of market rates in London and cost benchmarks for different project types.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong client‑facing experience with proven skills in managing and meeting client expectations. Ability to clearly communicate complex financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Experience in leading a small team of surveyors or cost consultants. Capable of providing guidance, training and quality review of team members’ work to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Problem Solving: Aptitude for swiftly identifying cost‑related issues (e.g. cost overruns, procurement delays) and implementing solutions. Able to perform value engineering exercises to optimise project costs without compromising on quality.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Comfortable delivering presentations and reports to clients and senior leadership. Negotiation skills are key for contract discussions and dispute resolution.