Senior Cost Manager - Central PMO Project Controls | Mega Project Environment | Digital by Default Daily rate: Up to £650 per day, Inside IR35 Location: Ipswich, 3-4 days per week Duration: 9 months About the Role We are seeking an exceptional Senior Cost Manager to join our Central PMO team and play a pivotal role in driving proactive, forward-looking cost management that continuously improves project performance. Reporting to the Functional Cost Lead, you will be responsible for deploying, governing, and continuously enhancing all Cost Management elements across the project. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring strong technical expertise, executive-level communication skills, and the ability to operate confidently within a complex governance structure. What You'll Be Doing As Senior Cost Manager, you will: Provide oversight and assurance across the Cost Management framework, ensuring alignment with SZC's governance structure, organisation, and delivery model. Champion and embed a 'Digital by Default' approach, ensuring full utilisation of cost management systems, software tools, and supporting infrastructure. Act as first line of defence for assurance of cost data submitted by Programme Delivery teams. Ensure cost systems and reporting are updated in line with project cadence and controls requirements. Support the Cost Lead in maintaining adherence to functional procedures, guidelines, and work instructions. Lead the on-time production and quality assurance of month-end cost data and performance reporting. Take ownership of the accurate assessment of the Project Current Forecast, including approved changes and trend impacts. Provide insightful analysis and clear 'so what' reporting to support data-driven decision-making. Deputise for the Cost Lead when required, including coordinating and chairing Cost Steering Committees. Act as the escalation point for Programme Cost Leads on business-as-usual matters. Interface across Project Controls functions and key stakeholders to ensure cost management delivers value and context to project leadership. Support the continued development and embedment of the Cost Management Framework across the programme. Lead, mentor, and develop team members, fostering a high-performing and professionally growing team environment. What We're Looking For We are seeking a confident, experienced leader with: Proven experience within a Cost Management function on a major mega project. Deep understanding of Cost Management principles across both Supply Chain-delivered scope and Client-delivered scope. Strong knowledge of wider Project Controls disciplines and their integration with Cost. Demonstrable experience delivering assurance activities independently within a Cost Management environment. Experience preparing high-quality reports, presentations, and narrative for audiences ranging from Delivery Teams to Executive Boards and Investors. Confidence engaging with Executive Leadership Teams. Experience deputising for senior functional leads and running governance forums. Strong leadership capability with a track record of building, developing, and motivating high-performing teams. A proactive, solution-focused mindset with the ability to drive continuous improvement. Reasonable Adjustments: Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.