At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Your impact
As our Cost Engineering Lead, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and success of our programmes.
Your expertise will drive accurate cost control, robust forecasting, and value optimization, directly influencing the efficiency and effectiveness of our project delivery.
By establishing performance measurement techniques and supporting risk and change management, you will provide critical insights that shape our strategic decisions and project outcomes.
What's in it for You?
Career Growth Join a global trailblazer and work on high-impact projects that shape the future of industries
Collaboration Work closely with global organisations, delivery teams, and clients to manage complex construction projects
Innovation Be at the forefront of innovative approaches to major complex civil infrastructure programmes
Flexibility Enjoy a hybrid work environment 2-3 days per week at Jacobs or client offices to foster collaboration within a supportive environment
Recognition Your expertise and commitment will be valued and leveraged to drive significant improvements in programme delivery
We Offer
Competitive salary We offer compensation that reflects your skills and experience
Flexible Work Arrangements Benefit from hybrid, part-time, and flexible working hours, patterns, and locations
24 days holiday + option to buy a further 10 days
Robust Pension Contributions We offer enhanced pension contributions up to 10% to secure your future
Comprehensive Health Coverage Single medical cover and Digital GP service, with options to add your partner and family
Family Planning Support Access to fertility healthcare and family planning services
Enhanced Parental Leave Enjoy enhanced parental leave pay and free membership to employee assistance and parental programs
Life assurance at 4x your salary
Income Protection Financial security in case of long-term illness or injury
Wellbeing Hub Free access to wellbeing apps like Calm and Daily Burn
Professional Development We cover professional membership fees and provide continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities
Community Engagement Participate in charity matched-funding, paid volunteering time, and charitable donations
About The Opportunity
In this Cost Engineering Lead role, you will
Ensure Compliance and Functional Direction Adhere to Programme Controls Policy, Strategy, and Plan, while providing direction for Cost Engineering and aligning with other PMO functions
Manage and Control Costs Develop and improve Cost Management systems, ensuring accurate cost control, change and baseline management, and robust forecasting
Implement Earned Value Management (EVM) Establish performance measurement of projects using EVM and similar techniques, providing data-driven insights into performance
Drive Risk and Change Management Align risk and cost processes to support forecasts, and proactively support the identification and management of risk and change
Collaborate and Coordinate Work with Cost Engineers and Control Account Managers to standardize and ensure consistency of Cost Management processes, supporting other Programme Controls functions as required
Manage Reporting and Interfaces Ensure the reported cost position is accurate and reconcilable, managing the cost interface with other functional leads and supporting monthly Board Reporting data on cost-related matters
Here's what you'll need
Significant experience in Cost Engineering with expertise in cost management methodologies and techniques
Knowledge of estimating, scheduling, and risk management techniques; understanding of contracts like NEC3/4; working knowledge of industry-standard Project Control Systems; and understanding of WBS and other data structures
Strong client interface skills, proficiency in report writing and presentations
Proactive, collaborative, goal-oriented, and resilient, with the ability to anticipate potential issues, work effectively with team members, set clear objectives, and maintain performance under pressure
A relevant degree and membership in professional associations such as RICS, ACostE, or CICES
Similar job titles this might be known as include
Cost Control Manager
Cost Engineer Lead
Principal Cost Engineer
Associate Cost Engineer
Associate Director Cost Engineer
Cost Manager
Please note that we are looking for a more traditional Cost Engineer skill set than Quantity Surveying for establishing PMO Controls for this role.
Jacobs operates a hybrid work environment and a 40 hour working week as standard.
Ideally London or SE England based
Are you ready to challenge today and reinvent tomorrow with Jacobs
Join us and make a significant impact on our projects, driving excellence and innovation in cost management
Good luck with your application
Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.
With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we've gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You'll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you'll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.
We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we're more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit to view and access our roles.
As a disability confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.