Senior Cost Manager / Associate (Highways & Infrastructure)

TL;DR

Senior Cost Manager / Associate (Highways & Infrastructure): Leading client-side commercial management for a major UK roads and bridges development programme with an accent on cost planning, NEC contract administration, and risk management. Focus on ensuring cost certainty, managing complex interfaces with statutory authorities, and driving procurement discipline for critical infrastructure packages.

Location: Hybrid. Initially based in London or Birmingham, transitioning to Bedford with a requirement to be onsite at least three days per week.

Company

Global independent organisation specializing in cost management, quantity surveying, and project management for the built environment.

What you will do

• Lead client-side commercial management for Roads & Bridges packages from design and estimating through to construction and handover.
• Manage cost planning, estimating, procurement, and NEC contract administration, including early warnings and compensation events.
• Coordinate commercial inputs across clients, consultants, contractors, and statutory authorities such as National Highways and Network Rail.
• Assess commercial implications of operational railway interfaces, live highway environments, and construction logistics.
• Develop and manage cost forecasts, Value Engineering, and cash flow drawdown reporting.
• Drive procurement strategy, lead tender documentation, and oversee commercial evaluation and appointment processes.

Requirements

• Proven experience in cost management or quantity surveying for roads, highways, bridges, or major civil infrastructure.
• Strong financial management skills including WBS, cost planning, and monthly client reporting.
• Experience with NEC forms of contract is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of UK infrastructure standards, including DMRB and local authority highway requirements.
• Must be able to work in Bedford at least three days per week once the programme mobilises.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent professional experience.

Nice to have

• Membership of a professional body such as RICS.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement with the option to purchase additional days.
• Comprehensive healthcare packages including private insurance, dental, and eyecare vouchers.
• Continuous professional development via APC and in-house mentoring schemes.
• Wellness perks such as gym membership and cycle to work schemes.