Senior Cost Manager

Brandon James; Old Warren; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Brandon James is recruiting for a Senior Cost Manager to join a leading Reading-based multidisciplinary built environment consultancy. The role covers education, residential, hospitality and industrial sectors, with visibility with clients and project teams.

You will lead cost management across full lifecycle from feasibility to final account, mentor junior staff and help grow client relationships while advancing project outcomes.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or related construction discipline.
• MRICS preferred or working towards chartership.

Responsibilities

• Preparing cost plans and estimates through multiple RIBA stages.
• Advising clients on procurement strategy, tendering and contract selection.
• Producing tender and contract documentation.
• Reviewing tender submissions and supporting contract negotiations.
• Managing valuations, variations and progress payments.
• Monitoring budgets and preparing regular cost reports.
• Negotiating final accounts and advising on contractual matters.
• Mentoring junior team members and supporting their development.
• Building trusted relationships with clients and wider project stakeholders.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Organisational skills

Client-facing

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

MRICS (preferred)

Job description

Senior Cost Manager - Reading

A well-established multidisciplinary built environment consultancy is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Cost Manager to join their Reading team. This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior Cost Manager to work across a varied portfolio spanning education, residential, hospitality and industrial projects, while taking a visible role with clients and project teams.

The successful Senior Cost Manager will lead commissions through the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility and cost planning through tendering, construction and final account. The Senior Cost Manager will provide clear commercial guidance, manage project budgets and support informed decision-making across both pre- and post-contract stages.

This role would suit a confident Senior Cost Manager with strong UK consultancy experience who enjoys combining technical delivery with client relationship management. The position also offers the chance to support graduates and junior colleagues, contribute to team development and strengthen existing client relationships while helping to create new ones.

Senior Cost Manager - Key Responsibilities:

• Preparing cost plans and estimates through multiple RIBA stages
• Advising clients on procurement strategy, tendering and contract selection
• Producing tender and contract documentation
• Reviewing tender submissions and supporting contract negotiations
• Managing valuations, variations and progress payments
• Monitoring budgets and preparing regular cost reports
• Negotiating final accounts and advising on contractual matters
• Mentoring junior team members and supporting their development
• Building trusted relationships with clients and wider project stakeholders

Senior Cost Manager - Candidate Requirements:

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related construction discipline
• Strong UK PQS or cost consultancy experience
• MRICS preferred, or working towards chartership
• Sound knowledge of JCT contracts and standard procurement routes
• Proven ability to manage commissions independently
• Strong negotiation, communication and organisational skills
• Commercially aware and confident in a client-facing environment
• Able to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary project teams

In Return:

• £65,000 - £75,000 per annum
• Reading-based role
• Broad cross-sector project exposure
• Strong client-facing responsibility
• Support for continued professional development
• Clear scope for progression within an established consultancy

Reference #DM22898

Quantity Surveyor / Project Manager / Project Management / Employers Agent / Surveying / Construction / Building Surveyor / MRICS / MICOB / MAPM / FRICS / Contract Administration / Associate Director / Construction Consultancy