Assistant Cost Manager

AESG; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy and advisory firm in Cape Town is hiring an Assistant Cost Manager to support project leaders in delivering cost management for large-scale projects. The ideal candidate will have a background in Quantity Surveying, with at least 2 years of experience. This role provides significant career development opportunities, and candidates are encouraged to work towards a professional qualification. Join a supportive team focused on innovative project solutions.

Benefits

Professional growth through training and mentorship

Collaboration on diverse projects

Support for health and well-being

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of experience.
• Experience in a global consultancy is preferred.
• Working towards RICS qualification or similar.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily cost management activities across projects.
• Help prepare project cost estimates.
• Support team leaders in project cost management.

Skills

Cost management

Microsoft Excel

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

BSc, BTech, or MSc in Quantity Surveying or related field

Tools

CostX

Dimension X

Job description

Due to the continued success and growth of our AESG team, a fantastic opportunity has opened up at our award-winning Specialist Consultancy, Engineering, and Advisory Firm. We are headquartered in the UAE, KSA, UK, Singapore & South Africa, working throughout the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Our areas of expertise are represented in four core verticals: Building Engineering, Planning and Infrastructure, Strategy and Advisory, and Commissioning, Handover, and Asset Management. We pride ourselves on being leaders in the industry in each of the services that we offer. We have one of the largest dedicated teams with decades of cumulative experience in sustainable design, fire and life safety, cost management, façade engineering, commissioning, building performance, waste management, environmental consultancy, carbon management, and acoustics.

Job Description :

AESG is currently recruiting Assistant Cost Managers to join our growing cost management team based in Cape Town, to work on various large-scale building and infrastructure projects.

As an Assistant Cost Manager, you will support project leaders in delivering high standards of service, achieving successful client outcomes, sharing knowledge across projects, fostering innovation, and strengthening our reputation as a preferred service provider.

The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, capable of managing multiple projects, and eager to develop their career. The role will mainly be pre-contract, with opportunities to assist on post-contract projects as needed.

This position offers the chance to work within a leading and expanding team of cost management professionals, collaborating with top architects, interior designers, and engineers, advising major industry clients.

The successful candidate should aspire to gain experience in a dedicated consultancy environment, delivering successful cost management on major projects. The role provides opportunities for progression and career development. You should demonstrate a desire to work on major projects and communicate effectively with clients, consultants, and contractors. Ideally, you will be at the beginning of your journey to build a technical and experience-based QS background, aiming to understand various design standards and develop the ability to communicate advice effectively. While an MRICS qualification is preferred, it is not mandatory for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities :

• Assist with daily cost management activities across projects.
• Help prepare project cost estimates from concept through design stages using experience, historical data, and parametric ratios.
• Utilize AESG's digital tools and contribute to developing new tools for clients.
• Perform cost modeling (Excel).
• Assist with estimating and functional cost planning (CostX).
• Use measurement software, including Dimension X or CostX.
• Support value engineering exercises.
• Undertake cost management services under supervision.
• Deliver work outputs accurately and promptly under supervision.
• Support team leaders in project cost management.
• Represent the company professionally, building strong client relationships through meetings, negotiations, and correspondence.
• Provide reasoned advice on complex issues, escalating when necessary.
• Offer accurate cost advice and reporting to clients.
• Maintain effective communication for project success, liaising with managers for financial control.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of all work outputs.
• Support the commercial stability of the cost management division.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of projects with high quality standards.

Essential Skills :

• Experience or desire to deliver high-quality cost management / quantity surveying services.
• Experience in a global consultancy is preferred.
• Exposure to regional projects is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for cost modeling.
• Experience with digital cost management software.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Working towards a professional qualification (RICS or similar) or eager to do so.
• BSc, BTech, or MSc in Quantity Surveying or related field.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience.
• A team player with a positive attitude, outgoing, respectful, and adaptable.

Why join AESG?

AESG is a multidisciplinary specialist consultancy offering a unique work environment.

Our reputation for innovative thinking and project excellence includes some of the world's most exciting developments.

Our company’s success is driven by passionate, driven staff. We foster a lively, collaborative environment, offering early responsibility and clear career paths.

As an employee, you can expect :

• Opportunities to work on diverse projects with leading clients, advancing your career.
• Engagement with world-class developments and challenging projects.
• Support for professional growth through training and mentorship.
• A collaborative technical environment.
• Training opportunities tailored to your career goals.
• Focus on health and well-being, including team activities and a healthy work environment.
• Be part of a motivated team with a strong culture.