Senior Cost Manager

Morson Talent; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm is looking for a Senior Cost Manager to join the Sizewell C team in London or Suffolk, with hybrid working arrangements. The role requires extensive experience in Cost Management on large infrastructure projects, with responsibilities including oversight of cost principles and support for crucial stakeholder presentations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Cost Lead or Project Controls Manager on large infrastructure projects.
• Strong skills in mitigation with an understanding of project construction methods.
• Ability to manage senior stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Cost Management elements of the project.
• Support the Cost Lead in presentations and reports for key stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to Cost Management procedures and guidelines.

Skills

Cost Management

Project Controls

Presentation Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree in business analysis, accounting, finance, construction, engineering or project management

Tools

Power BI

Job description

Overview

We are currently looking for a Senior Cost Manager to join the Sizewell C team. This is a contract role to the end of the year, with likelihood of extension and potential for long-term involvement. This position can be based in London or Suffolk with hybrid working.

SZC Project Controls will serve as a centre of excellence, managing and strategically using delivery performance management information. Our team will enable successful delivery of SZC Project through proactive Project Controls that drive forward-looking solutions to continuously improve performance. As the Senior Cost Manager in the Central PMO team, you will work closely with the functional Lead, and be responsible for the deployment, and continuous improvement of all the Cost Management elements of the project.

The post holder will provide oversight and assurance within the Cost Management framework that supports the SZC governance structure, organisation and delivery model. They will ensure the adherence to the utilisation of the software applications and supporting infrastructure to ensure Cost Management SZC is "Digital by Default".

The candidate must also have demonstrable experience of working within the Cost Management function on a Mega Project environment, with an in depth understanding of Cost Management principles including both scope delivered by the Supply Chain and scope delivered by the Client.

The candidate will have significant knowledge of the Project Controls functions and their purpose to be able to carry out assurance activities within Cost Management without a reliance on the functional lead. Ideally, they will be able to demonstrate previous experience of providing narrative and presentations for multiple levels in a Programme, Project or Business from Delivery Teams and Functions through to Boards and Investors. They will have experience of working with Executive Leadership Teams and will be comfortable in deputising for the Cost Lead to co-ordinate and run Cost Steering Committees. They will be a people leader with experience of supporting their team with continued professional development and using their leadership skills to build and maintain a high-performing team.

Principal Accountabilities

• All of the above captured in Overview above
• Supporting the Cost Lead in ensuring the Cost Management function is adhering to the functional Procedures, Guidelines and Work Instructions.
• Support the Cost Lead in ad-hoc presentations, reports and insightful 'so what' analysis for key stakeholders to make decisions to positively affect the Projects outcome.
• Provide functional help and support to Programme teams.
• Act as First line of defence for the assurance of Cost information provided by the Programme Delivery teams, including ensuring the Cost management system is updated in line with project drumbeat.
• First escalation point for the Programme Cost Leads in relation to business-as-usual requirements
• Help ensure cost management always has the correct context and value add to the Delivery and Project leadership.
• Support development of the Cost Management Framework and embedment within SZC and become a main interface between Cost and other functions within project controls, as well as other key stakeholders.
• Delivery and advancement of 'Digital by Default' for the Cost Management Function.
• Responsible for the on-time production and quality of all month end data sets and performance reports related to Cost Management.
• Responsible for the accurate assessment of the Current Forecast for the Project, including impact of approved changes and Trends.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

Essential

• Degree or equivalent qualification in business analysis, accounting, finance, construction, engineering or project management, or related technical field.
• A track record of working as Cost Lead or Project Controls Manager on large and complex infrastructure projects.
• Very strong mitigation-related skills underpinned by in depth understanding of project and construction methods and processes.
• Extensive experience at multiple levels of organisation including client/operator, contractor/supplier, consultancy and government experience.
• Experience with increasing responsibility showing an ability to manage senior stakeholders.
• Deliverables focused and an accomplished problem solver, rising to meet any challenge.
• Excellent presentation, influencing and facilitation skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable

• Active membership of ACostE or APM or similar association with association certifications.
• Experience of working within multiple Project Controls Functions of cost control, estimating, scheduling, change management and cost management.
• User of a range of reporting and analytics software and project controls systems particularly Power BI.
• Understanding of various contract types, in particular the NEC suite and FIDIC.
• Experience in the Nuclear sector.

Closing date 15.9.25

This role falls inside IR35