Senior Cost Planning Manager (Senior Estimator)

Network Rail; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation organization in the UK is seeking a Senior Cost Planning Manager to develop and manage cost plans for major projects. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in cost planning and quantity surveying, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. This full-time role offers a salary of £55,596 to £65,966 plus benefits and a commitment to flexible working.

Benefits

Pension options

28 days annual leave

Healthcare benefits

Performance pay

Qualifications

• Qualified and experienced in cost planning or quantity surveying.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Cost Planning and Estimating processes.
• Wide experience of large and complex civil engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate and comprehensive cost plans for projects.
• Manage and control Cost Planning policies at a project level.
• Work collaboratively to promote cost planning good practices.

Skills

Cost planning

Estimating

Quantity surveying

Communications skills

Analytical skills

Education

Qualified in cost planning or quantity surveying

Tools

Cost Planning software

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team at Network Rail!

Vacancy: Senior Cost Planning Manager (Senior Estimator)

Location: York, Derby, London or Manchester

Salary: £55,596 to £65,966 per annum (+£3200 for London based roles)

Role Type: Permanent, Full time

Please note there are multiple roles available

Are you ready to make a difference in people\'s lives? At Network Rail, we connect passengers and freight customers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country. We\'re an organisation where people truly matter, and when you join us, you matter to us and millions of others.

Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you\'re passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!

At Network Rail you will also have a clear development path with access to training and additional qualifications.

In joining Network Rail, you’re not only joining an organisation with a vital role to play for the country, but also a team of more than 40,000 people, and a business dedicated to being one of Britain’s best employers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Detailed knowledge of how cost planning techniques are used in the financial control of projects during the development and design stages of a project.
2. Develop accurate and comprehensive cost plans for large and complex projects in accordance with the Cost Planning policies, processes, and the Project Acceleration in a Controlled Environment Lifecycle in a timely and efficient manner with limited management or supervision.
3. Develop cost plans in accordance with the Rail Method of Measurement format and structure.
4. Produce cost plan reports in accordance with the Cost Planning policies and processes to support the basis of all cost plans.
5. Implement, manage, and control the Cost Planning policies and processes at a project level.
6. Work collaboratively with the functional project teams to develop and promote cost planning good practice.
7. Develop detailed working knowledge of the Regional and National \\u2018Cost Analysis\\u2019 processes and be able to complete and submit project and rail work activity based cost model cost data through the project lifecycle.
8. Continue professional development within own technical area of expertise to be able to give best practice advice to the cost planning, development, and delivery teams.
9. Proficient in the development and use of Unit Cost Modelling for railway/construction based work activities and provide improvement initiatives.
10. Work collaboratively with the Risk and Value Team so that all cost plans are supported with the appropriate Risk Allowance in accordance with the Cost Planning policies and processes.
11. Work collaboratively with the Sponsors, Development Managers and Route Asset Managers (RAMs) to produce Life Cycle Costs when required.
12. Understanding of Commercial Policies and Governance.

Essential

• Qualified and experienced in cost planning, estimating and/or quantity surveying
• A comprehensive knowledge of Cost Planning and Estimating processes and techniques
• A comprehensive knowledge of Cost Analysis, Cost Modelling and Benchmarking processes and techniques
• Wide and varied experience of large and complex civil engineering infrastructure projects and / or building projects
• Relevant successful experience of the provision of Cost Planning, Estimating and / or Quantity Surveying services in a project environment
• Good communication, analytical, presentation and reporting skills

Desirable

• Qualified to a professional standard in cost planning, estimating and quantity surveying through membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or equivalent body
• Experienced user of appropriate Cost Planning, Estimating and Unit Cost Modelling computer software systems
• Knowledge and experience in Network Rail’s Cost Planning policies and processes
• Understanding of the project management, planning, risk assessments and management, and investment authority processes associated with building and / or civil engineering infrastructure project

Additional information

Please note: Applicants must provide proof of essential qualifications and/or competencies where required, or demonstrate active progress toward obtaining them, or evidence their applicable experience as a condition of employment.

Internal and External how to apply: Network Rail welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, marital status (including civil partnerships), pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender status, sex (or gender), employment status, trade union affiliation, or other irrelevant factor. We are a Disability Confident Leader employer and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you require any adjustments or modifications please contact the Resourcing Business Partner. We also provide accessibility guidance through partner resources.

We positively embrace flexible working, recognising that employees may wish to balance work with their family and home life.

Closing date: 8 October 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date based on application volumes.

Salary and benefits: Network Rail benefits include a range of pension options, 28 days annual leave, season ticket subsidies, performance pay, healthcare, discounts, and other benefits. For more information about the vacancy please contact the Head of Commercial Delivery or the Resourcing Business Partner.

This vacancy is Band 3C, salary £55,596 to £65,966 per annum (+£3200 for London based roles).

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks including basic criminal record check and verification of identity, right to work, and employment history as required by UK government standards.