Senior Cost Manager

WSP USA; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consultancy is seeking a Senior Cost Manager to support project delivery within the health and life sciences sectors in East Hagbourne. The role involves developing cost plans, leading tender processes, and managing project costs throughout the lifecycle. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Quantity Surveying, relevant chartership, and strong negotiation skills. Join a community passionate about making a positive impact. Apply today!

Qualifications

• Experience in project delivery utilizing all common procurement strategies.
• Ability to negotiate contract T&Cs.
• Demonstrable track record of successful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Support project delivery across health and life sciences sectors.
• Deliver robust cost plans and support procurement.
• Coordinate with NHS Trust and science clients.

Skills

Project delivery using common procurement strategies

Negotiation of contract T&Cs for NEC and JCT contracts

Leading tender processes

Cost management through project lifecycle

Preparation of estimates and cost plans

Construction phase cost management

Value and risk management

Team management

Commercial awareness and logical thinking

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management

Chartered Professional (RICS or CIOB)

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you. Lexica is a leading specialist consultancy, transforming environments for clients in health and life sciences. From June 2025 Lexica is a member of WSP (UK) Ltd and will be fully integrated into the organisation by Jan 2026.

We are helping organisations to become more efficient and effective in the core sectors that we work in; whether improving patient pathways for the NHS, developing laboratories to facilitate world‑leading science, or rationalising educational campuses to attract the highest calibre students and research investment. Our clients tell us that we are different from other consultancies. They know that we have a wide range of skills across the business that gives us a competitive edge over other organisations. By joining Lexica, you will be part of the journey with our clients and colleagues.

A little more about your role…

As a Senior Cost Manager you will support the delivery of projects across the health and life sciences sectors and be part of a dynamic team responsible for providing full cost management services from initial feasibility through to completion on complex refurbishments and new‑build schemes. You will deliver robust cost plans, support procurement and tendering, administration of contracts, and ensuring strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle. You will work closely with NHS Trust, science clients, and design teams.

What we expect from you…

• Experience in project delivery utilising all common procurement strategies
• Ability to negotiate contract T&Cs for all NEC and JCT forms of contracts with contractors on behalf of clients and deliver the typical QS role for contracts from placement through to project completion
• Leading tender processes including production of Tender and Value for Money reports
• Assist in the cost management of projects through the entire project lifecycle
• Preparation of estimates, cost plans using the NRM-based approach
• Preparation of pricing schedules, tender and contract documentation
• Undertake monthly assessments for payment
• Construction phase cost management including attending site meetings, negotiating and agreeing variations with the contractor and preparing the monthly cost report to the client.
• Produce cost reports and cashflows, presenting to stakeholders, and supporting the preparation of business cases for public funding approval
• To be familiar with the construction industry and work within a fast‑paced consultancy environment
• Actively engaged in value and risk management, having facilitated structured risk workshops and delivered value engineering proposals.
• Management of more junior team members in the delivery of projects to assist in their learning and development while delivering for the client
• Ability to manage the delivery of projects within the QS scope of services and agreed fee amount. Early identification and raising of potential changes and or challenges to delivery internally with senior members of the team

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in Quantity Surveying/ Commercial Management
• A Chartered Professional in surveying with either the RICS or CIOB or have sufficiently extensive experience to be able to attain chartership
• Demonstrable track record of successful outcomes and able to work under own initiative
• An understanding of typical traditional and design and build contract T&Cs and mechanisms commonly used in the UK.
• Experience in managing two‑stage procurement processes and successful delivery on behalf of the client at each stage
• Competence in project controls and financial management, maintaining accurate reporting across all project stages and ensuring compliance with client funding requirements and audit standards
• Strong communication, ability to perform client‑facing duties and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
• Commercial awareness, a logic thinker, who works efficiently and accurately to high standards

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.