Cost Manager | Client side

London-based with UK-wide travel | Salary up to £55,000

A UK student accommodation owner and operator is seeking a Cost Manager with quantity surveying experience to join its Construction & Development team. Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you will provide commercial input across Capital Projects, including cladding remediation, asset improvement and asset management initiatives, and estates projects.

You will support the financial management of projects from inception through contract award to practical completion, including estimating, benchmarking, budget monitoring and reporting, main contractor procurement, contract negotiation and supply chain management.

Key responsibilities

• Provide initial cost advice to assess opportunities and future projects, and prepare accurate, detailed cost plans to establish project budgets.
• Manage cost plans through the project lifecycle, assessing risks and ensuring costs are accurate to inform funding requests.
• Manage cost reporting, budget monitoring, value engineering, cash flows, valuations, cost control, dispute resolution and account management for on-site schemes.
• Oversee tender documentation and support procurement of main contractors, maintaining contractor and supply chain relationships.
• Negotiate and oversee construction contracts, retentions, bonds, warranties and other contractual documents.
• Agree final accounts within approved budget levels and assist with cost benchmarking across delivered projects.
• Support the resolution of legacy issues, defects and claims.
• Support business initiatives including net zero carbon, diversity and inclusion, and improved student homes.

Experience and skills

• Quantity surveying experience from a contractor, client or consultancy background; knowledge of student accommodation or Build to Rent is ideal.
• RICS or CIOB qualification, or working towards it, is desirable.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and communication skills, including presenting and participating in meetings at different levels.
• Strong numeracy and computer literacy, with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work at pace, prioritise multiple tasks, adapt quickly and maintain a positive, collaborative approach.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and in a team, with a willingness to learn and apply new skills.
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Full driving licence and ability to travel throughout the UK.

The employer is committed to equal opportunities and building inclusive, collaborative teams.