Cost Manager

Roles and responsibilities

• Lead and deliver all aspects of cost management from inception of a project through to completion.
• Achieve the highest standards of professional competence and to demonstrate this ability in all dealings with clients and professional contacts, reinforcing the profile of the company.
• Drive performance standards and technical excellence through expert communication and effective use of the performance management process and AECOM technical practice networks.
• Maintain and develop good relationships with clients, take every opportunity to uphold and increase the profile of the firm as a provider of professional, premium quality services to the construction industry.
• Actively support the internal team and manage more junior staff on technically complex projects.
• Develop marketing opportunities and where appropriate bring to the attention of Directors and the Business Development Department, in order that they may assist in following up potential leads enabling the development of new business.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Skills/experience required:

• Significant experience and strong track record in the Cost Management/Quantity Surveying field.
• Strong pre-contract cost management experience.
• Experience of undertaking cost/commercial management as part of integrated, multi-organisation, collaborative teams
• Ability to identify and influence key client stakeholders, building effective relationships to grow workload/portfolio
• Good working knowledge of FIDIC contracts

Preferred Qualification:

Degree in Quantity Surveying (or equivalent); MRICS Accredited

Desired candidate profile

1. Cost Estimation and Budgeting:

• Cost Estimation: Prepare accurate cost estimates for projects or activities, considering labor, materials, equipment, and overheads. This includes both direct and indirect costs.
• Budget Development: Develop detailed project budgets, ensuring alignment with the project's scope, schedule, and overall financial goals.
• Risk Analysis: Identify and assess potential financial risks (e.g., cost overruns, unforeseen expenses) and develop strategies to mitigate them.

2. Cost Control and Monitoring:

• Cost Tracking: Monitor actual costs against the budget throughout the project lifecycle. Track expenditures and provide detailed reports on cost variances.
• Variance Analysis: Perform regular variance analysis to identify discrepancies between planned and actual costs, investigating reasons for any cost overruns or savings.
• Forecasting: Reforecast project costs as needed, especially when significant changes occur during the project lifecycle (e.g., design changes, scope expansion, or unforeseen conditions).
• Contingency Management: Manage contingency funds and assess whether additional contingency is required based on project conditions.

3. Financial Reporting and Documentation:

• Reporting: Prepare and deliver regular cost reports to senior management, stakeholders, or clients, detailing the current status of the project’s financial health and any potential issues.
• Change Management: Assess and document the financial impact of changes in project scope, design, or execution. Ensure that any changes are reflected in the budget and that proper approval is obtained.
• Invoice Management: Oversee the invoicing process for contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors, ensuring that payments are in line with project milestones and contractual agreements.
• Cost Breakdown: Provide detailed cost breakdowns for specific components of the project, helping the team understand the financial allocation for each aspect.

4. Contract and Procurement Management:

• Procurement Support: Work closely with procurement teams to help ensure that costs are controlled during the purchasing process and that supplier contracts are aligned with budget constraints.
• Contract Review: Review and negotiate contracts with suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure they are financially viable and in line with project cost expectations.
• Tendering Support: Assist in preparing tender documents, ensuring that cost estimates are competitive and reflect the project’s financial constraints.