Senior Cost Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to deliver critical cost control and management activities across contracts. This role involves detailed cost performance analysis, overseeing cost engineers, and ensuring high-quality deliverables. You will be responsible for establishing budgets, monitoring risks, and producing cost reports that align with project goals. The position offers the chance to contribute to high-profile projects within a dynamic team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment that values your unique talents.

Benefits

Career Growth Opportunities

Dynamic Team Environment

Professional Development Support

Inclusive Workplace Culture

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in cost control or financial management.
• Expert-level skills in Microsoft Excel required.
• Experience with cost management systems is essential.

Responsibilities

• Attend contract-related cost meetings and ensure productivity.
• Lead the establishment and monitoring of baseline budgets.
• Produce routine cost reports and ensure timely invoicing.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Cost Management Systems (SAP, Oracle Finance)

Organizational Skills

Financial Management

Cost Control

Education

Degree in Business

Degree in Finance

Degree in Cost Engineering

Tools

SAP

Oracle Finance

Job description

Job Description

Overview:

Job Ref 1478

The Senior Cost Engineer plays a critical role in delivering cost control and management activities across a contract. This position provides detailed cost performance analysis to the Project or Contract Manager and key stakeholders, covering actuals, budgets, forecasts, variances, trends, and associated risks. Reporting to the nexos Lead Cost Engineer, the Senior Cost Engineer ensures timely, high-quality cost reports and deliverables, while also fostering strong working relationships with client project controls counterparts. In some instances, the role may also oversee other Cost Engineers or trainees, and will support the Lead Cost Engineer with contract-specific tasks and reporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

In this role, the Senior Cost Engineer is responsible for attending all contract-related cost meetings, ensuring each session is well-structured and productive. They will lead the process of establishing and regularly monitoring baseline budgets and forecasts. Before any estimates are issued to clients or procurement requests are actioned, the Senior Cost Engineer will verify their accuracy and alignment with project goals.

The role involves identifying, analyzing, and reporting risk, change, growth, and variation across the contract. They are accountable for producing routine cost reports in line with both business and client expectations, incorporating narrative, earned value analysis, value of work done, progress metrics, and risk assessment. When appropriate, they will also ensure timely and accurate invoicing.

The Senior Cost Engineer will step in for other Cost Engineers when directed by the Lead Cost Engineer, while also maintaining compliance with standard cost control procedures and templates. Supporting periodic audits is expected to ensure the consistent application of cost control standards.

Leadership and Team Support:

Beyond core technical responsibilities, the Senior Cost Engineer is expected to champion a culture of continuous improvement and constructive challenge. They will actively engage with their team to share best practices, motivate colleagues, and contribute to a supportive, professional working environment. Upholding the highest standards of conduct, they will also contribute to the development of junior team members through mentoring, coaching, and, where applicable, performance management.

Accountabilities:

Client satisfaction is a key focus, with responsibility for ensuring a high standard of cost control service and professional behaviour across the contract. Internally, the Senior Cost Engineer will communicate key issues, developments, and requests for support to the Lead Cost Engineer. They are also accountable for the effective application and documentation of cost control processes, maintaining close collaboration with project controls, planning, estimating, and document control teams to ensure the delivery of best practice.

Experience and Qualifications:

To be successful in this role, candidates must have a minimum of five years’ experience in cost control or financial management, ideally within engineering, construction, or a related sector. A degree in Business, Finance, or Cost Engineering is . The role requires expert-level skills in Microsoft Excel, along with experience using cost management systems such as SAP or Oracle Finance.

Strong organisational skills are essential, including the ability to lead meetings and deliver effective presentations. Commercial awareness and business planning experience are important, while prior exposure to facilitation and the development of procedures or work instructions would be advantageous.

What We Offer:

This permanent, full-time position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic team environment. You will contribute to complex, high-profile projects, benefit from a culture that values professionalism and development, and have access to support for your own career growth.

We believe drives innovation and creativity. We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. Join us in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.