Role Description
Our Life Sciences & Research Cost Management team is expanding in Oxford, and we’re looking for a Project Cost Manager to lead commercial management for complex laboratory, research, and specialist science environments. This is an opportunity to work closely with world‑class national and international clients, supporting the delivery of new builds, refurbishments, and fit‑outs within operational scientific settings.
This position suits an experienced Quantity Surveying professional who thrives on managing every stage of the commercial process in technically demanding, regulated projects — from initial cost planning and procurement, through to on‑site cost management and final account closure. You’ll be involved in a diverse range of projects, including flagship research facilities and fast‑track science programmes.
Role Accountabilities
* Take full responsibility for commercial management across assigned projects, overseeing cost plans, cash flow analysis, and forecasting throughout the project lifecycle.
* Develop detailed cost estimates, feasibility studies, and benchmarking analyses tailored to the unique demands of life sciences and laboratory projects.
* Manage tender processes, evaluate contractors, and negotiate commercial terms to secure best value.
* Oversee valuation and payment applications, administer variations, and ensure stringent cost control at every stage.
* Maintain and update project risk registers and change control logs, providing proactive commercial insights to clients and multidisciplinary teams.
* Produce clear, concise commercial reports and cost projections for client presentations and strategic decisions.
* Work collaboratively with design and delivery teams to identify value engineering opportunities and manage cost risks.
* Champion the use of digital tools (such as CostX and 5D BIM) to enhance accuracy and efficiency in cost management and benchmarking.
* Mentor and support junior QS team members, contributing to the continuous improvement of processes and best practice within the team.
Qualifications & Experience
* Chartered status (MRICS preferred) or working towards professional qualification.
* Demonstrable QS experience on laboratory, research, or highly serviced (MEP‑intensive) facilities.
* Strong background in cost planning, forecasting, procurement, and contract administration.
* Excellent commercial acumen, with hands‑on experience resolving cost challenges and managing project variations.
* Effective communicator, comfortable presenting financial positions to clients and contractors alike.
* Familiarity with digital cost management platforms (e.g., CostX, 5D BIM) and benchmarking is advantageous.
* Willingness to provide support across Oxford, as well as Cambridge, London, and other locations as required.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We believe that by working together diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we improve quality of life and we work closely with our people across six ED&I Workstreams: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success.
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