Senior Cost Manager

WSP; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and professional services firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Cost Manager to support complex projects in the health and life sciences sectors. The role involves full cost management from initial feasibility through to project completion, including negotiation of contracts and cost control. Candidates should have a degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent and experience in managing procurement processes. This role offers opportunities for professional development in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Gymflex scheme with discounts on memberships

Access to a Virtual GP service

Comprehensive menopause support package

Qualifications

• Experience in managing two-stage procurement processes.
• Ability to negotiate contract terms for NEC and JCT contracts.
• Demonstrable track record of successful outcomes.
• Firm understanding of traditional and design and build contracts.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of projects across health and life sciences sectors.
• Provide full cost management from feasibility to completion.
• Prepare estimates, cost plans, and tender documentation.
• Attend site meetings and manage cost reports with clients.

Skills

Negotiation

Cost management

Communication

Project delivery

Financial management

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management

Chartered Professional in surveying

Job description

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.

#AVY1

About Us

We are one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

Work‑life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It's important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That's why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.