Senior Cost Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Progression opportunities

Professional development support

Client-facing responsibilities

Job summary

Brandon James is seeking a Senior Cost Manager in Reading to lead cost planning, feasibility and cost control across education, residential, hospitality and industrial sectors, providing commercial guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

The role emphasizes client-facing delivery, mentoring junior staff, and building strong relationships with clients and project teams, with opportunities for professional development and progression within a respected consultancy.

Qualifications

• 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

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

Quantity Surveying

Cost consultancy

Client relationship management

Negotiation

Budget management

MRICS (preferred)

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or related

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

If you are a Senior Cost Manager considering your career opportunities, then please contact Dan McEvoy at Brandon James.

(phone number removed)

Reference

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