Job Title: Cost Engineer – Transport & Infrastructure
Location: London, United Kingdom
Employment Type: Full-time | Hybrid (on-site/client-facing where required)
The Opportunity
A leading consultancy delivering complex infrastructure projects across the UK is seeking a skilled Cost Engineer to join its growing London team. This role sits within the transport and infrastructure division, supporting a major client on a high-profile capital programme.
You’ll work as part of a collaborative pre-construction team responsible for providing robust cost planning, estimating, and commercial assurance across a portfolio of projects. With clear pathways for development and the opportunity to take ownership of key deliverables, this is a great opportunity for a detail-oriented, ambitious professional with a background in civil engineering or infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the Senior Cost Engineer and Head of Estimating by ensuring cost plans and estimates align with client standards and delivery expectations.
* Develop and maintain accurate cost plans, estimates, and supporting documentation that can be assured both internally and externally.
* Work autonomously or collaboratively to deliver consistent, high-quality cost outputs for major pre-construction programmes.
* Provide quantification support, undertake measurement exercises, and help maintain an up-to-date cost database to inform benchmarking and value engineering.
* Take ownership of portions of the estimating process, including change control, budget tracking, and supporting procurement strategy development.
* Liaise with stakeholders across planning, commercial, procurement, and delivery teams to gather input and ensure estimates reflect the full scope of works.
* Present cost estimates and justifications to senior internal and client stakeholders in a clear, structured, and commercially astute manner.
* Mentor junior members of the estimating team and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential:
* Strong infrastructure background – ideally in civil engineering, highways, rail, or utilities.
* Previous experience in a cost engineering, estimating, or commercial role (main contractor or consultancy).
* Proficient in Excel and other cost modelling tools.
* Confident presenting to clients and senior stakeholders.
* Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and a methodical approach to cost management.
Desirable:
* Proficiency in Candy Estimating Software and/or CostX (RIB) for digital quantification and estimating.
* Familiarity with AACE’s Estimate Class system or other industry-standard estimating frameworks.
* Chartered or working towards chartership (RICS, CICES, ICE, CIOB, etc.).
* Experience working on pre-construction phases of major infrastructure programmes.
* Ability to travel or work flexibly based on project requirements.
What’s on Offer
* Opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects with high visibility.
* A clear career progression path and support toward chartership or further development.
* Collaborative, forward-thinking culture with space to contribute and lead.
* Competitive salary and benefits package tailored to your experience.
* Hybrid working and a strong commitment to work-life balance.