Cost Manager / Senior Cost Manager (MEP) – Real Estate

Overview

As an Intermediate MEP Cost Manager in our London Real Estate team, you will drive cost control for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing work on high-profile projects. You’ll establish early budgets, develop cost plans, and lead design teams toward budgets. You’ll mentor junior staff, manage tendering and post-contract reporting, and nurture strong contractor relationships. You’ll also help advance MEP digital tools and promote best practices across the MEP community. This role offers hands-on impact on major estates and tangible client outcomes.

Pay / Benefits

• great place to work
• healthy, productive and flexible working environment
• work-life balance
• inclusivity

Responsibilities

• Lead MEP deliverables on projects or manage direct MEP commissions such as asset upgrades
• Establish early budgets, estimate costs, and develop cost plans
• Manage design teams to budget, oversee tendering and procurement (single and two-stage), and deliver post-contract reporting
• Mentor Assistant Cost Managers and Cost Managers within the MEP team
• Collaborate with contractors and MEP supply chains to maintain robust relationships
• Support development of MEP digital systems and tools and promote best practices within the MEP community

Key requirements

• Proven track record delivering cost management/quantity surveying across the full project lifecycle
• Professional qualification (RICS or similar) or working towards a Degree or HNC
• Ability to level and negotiate initial tender returns and issue recommendations
• Experience running change control processes and cost negotiations
• Reviewing payment applications and preparing recommendations
• Managing final accounts reconciliations
• Reviewing and validating cost build-ups and rate analysis
• Capability to undertake basic counts using CostX
• Proactive engagement with contractors and clients
• Willingness to undertake detailed, process-driven tasks to support client objectives

• Proactive communication and stakeholder engagement
• Mentoring and leadership of junior staff
• Collaborative team player with suppliers and clients
• Cost management and quantity surveying
• Tendering and procurement management
• Change control and cost negotiations

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