Job Title: Cost Engineer
Department: Estimating
Location: Bridgend, Wales
Reports To: Estimating Manager
Company: [Confidential – Leading Manufacturer in the Built Environment Sector]
Role Purpose
The Cost Engineer is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of cost data across complex products and projects. This role plays a vital part in supporting the Estimating team, developing robust costing tools, driving process improvement, and providing insights that support strategic commercial decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Costing & Estimating Support (40%)
* Provide accurate cost calculations for complex products and projects at tender stage.
* Collaborate with Estimators and other departments to ensure comprehensive costing coverage.
Costing Tools & Process Improvement (10%)
* Develop and enhance costing tools to streamline or automate cost calculation processes.
Cost Auditing & Variance Analysis (15%)
* Conduct weekly cost audits and perform variance analysis to drive cost accuracy improvements.
* Identify trends, anomalies, and improvement opportunities.
Reporting & Decision Support (5%)
* Create and maintain cost reports to support commercial and strategic business decisions.
Model Development & Standard Costing (10%)
* Improve cost models using data insights.
* Own and maintain the standard costing process for products and services.
Skills & Experience
Essential
* Proven experience in a similar cost engineering, estimating, or commercial finance role.
* Strong commercial awareness with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes.
* Demonstrated ability in data analysis and cost modelling.
* Familiarity with risk assessment and complex bids.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
* Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
* Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
* Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage conflicting priorities.
Desirable
* Experience in process improvement initiatives.
* Background in construction, manufacturing, or engineered product environments.
Additional Responsibilities
* Comply with all environmental, health, and safety policies and practices.
* Support continuous improvement initiatives related to sustainability and waste reduction.
* Ensure compliance with internal systems, quality standards, and regulations.
* Participate in training, administrative tasks, and cross-functional projects as required.
* Undertake business travel when necessary.
* Act in alignment with the company’s core values.
* Seniority Level
* Mid-Senior level
* Industry
* Manufacturing
* Construction
* Design Services
* Employment Type
* Full-time
* Job Functions
* Engineering
* Accounting/Auditing
* Skills
* Microsoft Excel
* Costings
* Cost Models
* Microsoft Office
* Cost Planning
* Cost Management
* Job Estimating
* Job Costing
* Project Estimation
* Product Costing
* Cost Accounting
* Cost