Cost Manager – Defence (Real Estate)

Overview

In this role you will deliver cost management and consultancy across pre- and post-contract stages, ensuring budgets and value engineering drive project outcomes. You will work closely with clients and the project team to manage tenders, valuations, and final accounts, while upholding professional standards. The position combines client-facing responsibilities with technical cost control on high-value projects. You’ll contribute to a collaborative consultancy culture and support junior team members. This role offers exposure to NEC4 procurement and complex programmes.

Pay / Benefits

• great place to work
• flexible working environment
• focus on work-life balance
• inclusive environment
• opportunity to affect change
• supportive team culture

Responsibilities

• Manage quantity surveying and cost consultancy activities across pre- and post-contract phases
• Produce cost estimates and manage the tender process, analyze returns, and advise on procurement routes (two-stage NEC4)
• Attend meetings, prepare financial reports, and monitor project status
• Perform cost checks and valuations on large projects, ensuring timely, accurate processes
• Apply value engineering concepts to keep projects on budget from design to completion
• Handle post-contract duties including variations assessment and final account settlements
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while upholding professional standards
• Interface with clients and other consultants throughout project lifecycle
• Support junior team members to deliver cost management services efficiently

Key requirements

• Degree or Masters in Quantity Surveying or equivalent
• RICS membership or working towards it
• Experience on high-value, complex projects in a consultancy environment
• Sector experience in defence, workplace, retail, commercial or mixed-use desirable
• Strong communication and client relationship skills
• Commercial awareness with negotiation and organisational skills
• Strong IT skills and proficiency with CostX and Microsoft Office
• Excellent numeracy and ability to work independently under tight deadlines
• Client-facing and enthusiastic about the industry
• Security clearance process eligibility (BPSS and SC)

• First-class communicator
• strong client relationship management
• commercially aware with negotiation skills
• CostX
• Microsoft Office
• cost management and valuations

…