Senior Cost Manager

Mace Group; Newbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the construction and consultancy sector is seeking a Cost Manager for a significant defence programme. The successful candidate will manage cost planning, client relations, and support project delivery. This role requires strong leadership and technical expertise in cost management within a diverse team. Mace values inclusivity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible working options.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in managing complex programmes as a Cost Manager.
• Knowledge of construction industry technical matters.
• Experience managing relationships with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage cost planning, procurement, and presentation of cost plans.
• Deliver cost management services meeting strategic outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards alongside project delivery.

Skills

Communication

Cost Management

Change Management

Risk Management

Procurement

Estimating

Pricing

Reporting

People Management

Education

Degree in quantity surveying/cost management (or equivalent)

RICS/ MRICS membership or equivalent

Job description

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our strategy site.

Within our consult business, we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project.

The project:

A large defence capital works programme which, over 15 years, will contribute to the upgrade of the UK’s strategic defence capability. Mace (in partnership with the client and other industry organisations) will establish and subsequently manage the programme management organisation overseeing the delivery of numerous complex and varied capital works projects.

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey:

Safety first - Going home safe and well:

• You will be an advocate of Mace's value of Safety First, and be accountable for leading and maintaining exceptional safety, quality, cost, programme, sustainability and project compliance standards.

• You will possess technical expertise in local Health and Safety rules and regulations relevant to project portfolio.

• You will champion a diverse and inclusive working environment, and understand the importance of the wellbeing of the people you manage.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise:

• You will manage cost planning including ownership of and presenting cost plans to clients and internal stakeholders.

• You will manage the procurement process, ensuring stages including prequalification, enquiry, analysis, selection and contract preparation are performed effectively.

• You will support the delivery of cost management services to deliver key strategic outcomes and KPIs, directly influencing strategic development of plans.

• You will have a proven track record of outstanding results as a Cost Manager gained in large complex programmes.

• Establishing friendly, professional and appropriate relationships with clients, colleagues and other parties involved in the projects and programmes we support.

• Administering a variety of contracts in accordance with project objectives and policies.

• Providing accurate project cost monitoring, forecasting and reporting to completion in line with budget

• Pro-actively monitoring and managing cost variance and contract cash flow, and ensuring that applications are made correctly and in a timely manner

• Collaborating with client and contractor teams to manage the delivery of project deliverables, KPIs, and objectives, including programme performance, cost control, and value engineering

• Managing contract change effectively, ensuring that projects remain within governance and adopt best practice

• Driving improvements in the accuracy of forecasts and budgets

• Proactively providing sound commercial knowledge and support to all stakeholders

• Ensuring that final accounts are negotiated and agreed

• Leading people and commissions as needed

Integrity - Always do the right thing:

• You will manage operations that are fiscally and ethically viable, influencing the achievement of business objectives that align with business and legislative compliance obligations.

• You will work collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

• You will commit to making a positive impact for our people, our clients, and our planet, and take ownership for holding others to account who do not uphold the Mace values.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel:

• You will manage teams, demonstrating effective leadership to ensure excellence in delivery against plans, championing a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities.

• You will actively network, innovate, and seek understanding of best practice, utilising the full depth of knowledge of Mace Group, the Centres of Excellence, Mace Way Control Centre and Knowledge Hub.

• You will manage other Cost Consultants to identify and execute opportunities that improve cost management procedures, templates and products to enhance services provided to stakeholders.

You’ll need to have:

• Excellent communication

• Contract Management (NEC3, Option C preferred)

• Cost Management

• Change management and control

• Valuation

• Risk Management

• Procurement

• Estimating

• Pricing

• Reporting

• Collaborative approach and best-for-project attitude

• Sharing best practice

• People management

• Commission management

• Identifying and driving efficiencies and improvements through the project lifecycle

• Good knowledge of construction industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management and value engineering.

You’ll also have:

• Degree in quantity surveying/cost management (or equivalent).

• Professional membership i.e. MRICS/RICS (or equivalent) and moving towards fellowship, or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.

• Commercial and financial acumen.

• Knowledge of value engineering, life cycle costing, contract law and contractual frameworks relating to construction.

• Experience of managing parts of projects within large, diverse teams.

• Experience of managing relationships with key senior stakeholders.

• Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.
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