Senior Cost Manager

Cumming Group UK & Europe; Cardiff; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A global consultancy is seeking a Senior Cost Manager to join their team in Cardiff, Wales. This role involves providing comprehensive cost management services for major rail and transport projects, requiring strong commercial acumen and a minimum of 5 years' experience in the rail infrastructure sector. The ideal candidate will develop robust estimates and guide junior colleagues, all while maintaining client relationships. This position offers full-time employment in an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within rail infrastructure.
• Strong commercial and contractual expertise, particularly NEC.
• Confident communicator with client-facing experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide full cost management services from feasibility to final account.
• Develop accurate estimates, cost plans, and commercial reports.
• Manage procurement processes, contract administration, and change control.
• Monitor budgets, risks, and value delivery.

Skills

Commercial expertise

Leadership capability

Client-facing communication

Analytical mindset

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, or related discipline

Chartered status (MRICS or equivalent)

Job description

Internal Recruiter | Connecting Talent with Opportunity at Cumming Group

Cumming Group is a global project and cost management consultancy recognised for delivering high-quality outcomes across construction, real estate, and infrastructure programmes. We work collaboratively with leading organisations to drive certainty, value, and performance across their most ambitious projects.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Cost Manager with strong experience in the rail sector to join our growing Infrastructure team. You will be responsible for developing robust estimates and cost plans, driving effective commercial management, and providing strategic advice to clients across major rail and transport projects. Depending on project scale, you may work autonomously or lead a small team, acting as a key client partner throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide full cost management services from feasibility to final account
• Develop accurate estimates, cost plans, tender documentation, and commercial reports
• Manage procurement processes, contract administration, and change control
• Monitor budgets, risks, and value delivery to maintain cost certainty
• Support and guide junior colleagues through mentoring and technical leadership
• Maintain and enhance strong client relationships, contributing to account and business growth

About You

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, or related discipline (RICS accredited preferred)
• Chartered status (MRICS or equivalent) advantageous
• Minimum 5 years’ experience within rail infrastructure experience strongly desirable
• Strong commercial and contractual expertise, particularly NEC and other industry frameworks
• Confident communicator with proven client-facing experience and leadership capability
• Analytical mindset with the ability to influence decision-making and deliver positive outcomes

Cumming Group is committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All job applicants will receive equal treatment without regard to age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, “race” (including nationality, national / ethnic origins, colour), marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, gender reassignment, religion or belief.

We prefer to hire directly, and we will be in touch with our PSL agencies if this role is eligible for release.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function(s)

• Project Management, Consulting, and Engineering

Industries

• Construction

Location

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom