Senior Cost Manager – Rail, Highway & Aviation

Arcadis; Manchester; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Arcadis is seeking a experienced Cost/Commercial Manager to join our Mobility team in Manchester and partner across Birmingham, Leeds and York on a varied portfolio of highways and aviation projects. The role involves hands‑on cost management, site engagement and collaboration with contractors and internal teams to meet client expectations.

You will analyse cost data, prepare plans and reports, and support senior colleagues on smaller to mid‑scale commissions while upholding risk and compliance

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in cost or commercial management on infrastructure, transport or construction projects.
• Experience with NEC3/NEC4 contracts and managing compensation events.
• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent; near attainment of a professional qualification (e.g., RICS).
• CSCS card holder or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of cost management services across Rail, Highway and Aviation projects within the Mobility portfolio.
• Manage cost monitoring, forecasting and variance analysis for allocated projects, within established financial processes.
• Prepare and contribute to cost plans, budgets, estimates and commercial reports to support decision‑making.
• Assist senior colleagues with the management of small to medium‑scale commissions or key components of larger assignments.
• Identify risks, issues and commercial challenges, escalating to senior team members where appropriate.
• Provide guidance on risk and compliance principles, ensuring alignment with procedures.
• Build relationships with clients, contractors and internal stakeholders through clear communication.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of cost management processes and service delivery.

Skills

Cost management

Data analysis

Communication

Prioritisation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying

RICS near attainment

Tools

NEC3/NEC4 contracts

Job description

Arcadis is seeking a experienced Cost/Commercial Manager to join our Mobility team in Manchester and partner across Birmingham, Leeds and York on a varied portfolio of highways and aviation projects. The role involves hands‑on cost management, site engagement and collaboration with contractors and internal teams to meet client expectations.

You will analyse cost data, prepare plans and reports, and support senior colleagues on smaller to mid‑scale commissions while upholding risk and compliance