Senior Cost Manager

Why RLB?

At RLB, we live by four simple ideas: Truth, Trust, Together, Tomorrow. Four values that live at the heart of RLB. A place where People Make Progress.

We value your skills, talents and unique perspectives – we think they are priceless.

Bring them to RLB and you’ll be empowered to shape our future and your career in new and meaningful ways.

We’ll give you opportunities to work on some of the most ambitious and exciting projects currently being designed and developed in the built environment sector.

You’ll continue to learn and advance as everyone who works for us is provided with a tailored training programme. Our mentoring and reverse mentoring schemes will enable you to share your expertise while gaining fresh insights.

What makes RLB unique is our inclusive culture. As an independent, employee-owned business, teamwork and collaboration lies at the heart of everything we do. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies are just some of the ways we invest in employee wellbeing.

Join us and you will thrive personally as well as professionally.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Cost Manager to join a growing cost management team. This role is ideal for a proactive individual with a strong background in MEP quantity surveying, cost control, and contract administration, looking to take ownership of projects and support delivery across complex construction environments.

The successful candidate will play a key role in managing project costs from pre-contract through to final account, ensuring accurate financial control, risk mitigation, and value-driven outcomes for clients.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Contract & Cost Planning

• Prepare and manage detailed cost plans, budgets, and financial appraisals
• Lead and support tendering processes, including subcontractor and supplier procurement
• Analyse cost data to assess project feasibility, risks, and profitability
• Develop and manage Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and pricing strategies
• Provide input into value engineering exercises

Procurement & Commercial Strategy

• Develop and manage procurement schedules and strategies
• Evaluate subcontractor quotations and manage tender clarifications
• Oversee contract negotiations and appointment of subcontractors
• Ensure alignment with commercial and contractual frameworks

Post-Contract Cost Management

• Manage cost reporting, forecasting, and cashflow analysis
• Monitor and control project costs, including labour, materials, and preliminaries
• Administer variations, change control, and compensation events
• Prepare and review monthly valuations, applications for payment, and final accounts
• Assess and manage subcontractor claims and payments

Contract & Risk Management

• Review and administer construction contracts, identifying commercial risks and opportunities
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and project governance
• Support dispute resolution and contract close-out activities

Project Delivery & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key point of contact for clients, contractors, and project teams
• Lead or contribute to client meetings and commercial discussions
• Provide clear and accurate financial reporting and advice to stakeholders
• Promote commercial awareness across project teams

Team Contribution

• Support and mentor junior team members
• Contribute to continuous improvement of cost management processes
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful project delivery

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Proven experience in quantity surveying / cost management within construction, ideally MEP or infrastructure
• Strong track record across pre- and post-contract stages
• Experience in:
• Cost reporting & forecasting
• Procurement and tendering
• Contract administration and change management
• Background working with contractors, consultancies, or client-side organisations

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of cost control systems, BOQs, and financial management tools
• Experience using systems such as CCS Candy, Buildsmart, or similar platforms
• Good understanding of contractual frameworks and commercial processes

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or related discipline
• Working towards or holding professional accreditation (e.g. MRICS) is desirable

Behavioural Competencies

• Commercially aware with strong attention to detail
• Proactive, organised, and solutions-oriented
• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
• Collaborative team player with leadership potential