Senior Cost Engineer - Site Delivery Programme | Suffolk
We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Engineer to join a major UK infrastructure delivery programme, supporting site-based works in Suffolk. This is a senior, high-impact role within a central Project Controls function, offering the opportunity to influence delivery performance on a mega?project environment.
Key Details
Engagement Type: Contract PAYE / Umbrella
Location: Suffolk - Site-based (Ipswich area)
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Rate: £80-92 per hour
Start Date: ASAP
Contract End Date: 31 December 2026
Expenses: As agreed in advance with the Line Manager and in line with travel policy
Vetting Required: BPSS Clearance Notice
Period: 4 weeks
Overview
The Senior Cost Manager will operate within a central PMO / Project Controls centre of excellence, supporting the successful delivery of a large, complex infrastructure programme. The role is responsible for the deployment, oversight and continuous improvement of Cost Management processes, ensuring robust governance, clarity of forecast, and forward-looking performance insight.
You will work closely with the Cost Management functional lead while being sufficiently experienced to operate autonomously, providing assurance, leadership and strategic insight across programme delivery teams. A key focus of the role is driving a "Digital by Default" approach to cost management, ensuring consistent use of systems, tools and data frameworks.
This position requires proven experience in mega-project cost management, across both client-delivered scope and supply chain delivered scope, with strong stakeholder-facing capability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Provide oversight and assurance of Cost Management activities in line with project governance, procedures and standards
2. Act as first line of defence for assurance of cost data from delivery teams
3. Support the Cost Lead with high-quality analysis, reporting, presentations and insightful "so what" narratives for senior stakeholders
4. Deputise for the Cost Lead when required, including coordinating and running Cost Steering Committees
5. Ensure month?end cost data, forecasts and performance reports are delivered on time and to a high standard
6. Own the accurate assessment of the Current Forecast, including approved changes and emerging trends
7. Support programme teams with functional cost management expertise and guidance
8. Drive the development and implement the Cost Management framework across the programme
9. Champion and advance digital cost management capabilities and system adoption
10. Act as a key interface between Cost Management and wider Project Controls functions
11. Provide leadership and development support to cost management team members
About You
You will be a confident senior cost professional with the credibility to engage across delivery teams, functional leads, executive leadership and governance forums. You will be comfortable challenging information, providing independent assurance, and translating complex cost data into clear, actionable insight.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
12. Degree (or equivalent) in business analysis, accounting, finance, construction, engineering, project management or a related technical discipline
13. Demonstrable experience working within a Cost Management function on a mega or complex infrastructure project
14. Strong understanding of Project Controls functions and their inter dependencies
15. Experience producing senior-level reporting and presentations for boards, investors and executive stakeholders
16. Proven leadership capability, including supporting team development and high performance
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