Senior Cost Engineer: Lead Cost & Forecasting for Major Programs

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Culham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Corporate performance bonus

Pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Job summary

UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to lead cost estimating, forecasting and cost control for high-value programmes. You will develop budgets, baselines and forecasts, report variances and support EAC forecasting, while guiding a team of Cost Engineers and partnering with programme managers, finance and technical specialists.

You will bring extensive experience in large-scale projects (£100m+), strong cost management knowledge and a recognised PM qualification, plus

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering cost estimating and cost control for large, complex projects (typically £100m+).
• Strong knowledge of cost management methodologies, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Experience presenting cost and budget information to senior stakeholders and project governance boards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience leading, developing and managing high-performing teams.
• A recognised project management qualification (e.g. APM PMQ, APMQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead cost estimating, forecasting and cost control activities for complex programmes and projects.
• Develop and maintain robust project budgets, cost baselines and financial forecasts.
• Partner with programme teams and Finance to deliver accurate reporting, variance analysis and estimate-at-completion forecasting.
• Provide expert advice on cost management, estimating strategies and project controls throughout the project lifecycle.
• Integrate cost, schedule and risk information to support effective project planning and decision-making.
• Analyse performance trends, identify opportunities for improvement and champion best practice in cost management.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of Cost Engineers, supporting both technical and professional growth.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and senior leaders.
• Support strategic resource planning and contribute to the continuous development of UKAEA's project delivery capability.

Skills

Cost estimating

Forecasting

Cost control

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Variance analysis

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Project governance

Communication

PM qualification

Education

APM PMQ / PRINCE2 Practitioner

Job description

UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to lead cost estimating, forecasting and cost control for high-value programmes. You will develop budgets, baselines and forecasts, report variances and support EAC forecasting, while guiding a team of Cost Engineers and partnering with programme managers, finance and technical specialists.

You will bring extensive experience in large-scale projects (£100m+), strong cost management knowledge and a recognised PM qualification, plus