Senior Cost Manager
Suffolk - Site Delivery Programme
Pay: £70 - £90 per hour
Start Date: March 2026
End Date: 31/12/2026
Vetting Level required: BPSS Clearance

Job Purpose
The SZC Project Controls team acts as a centre of excellence, using performance data to support successful project delivery. As the Senior Cost Manager within the Central PMO, you will work closely with the Cost Lead to manage, improve, and assure all cost management activities across the project.
This role ensures that cost management processes, systems, and tools are used consistently and effectively, supporting the project's "Digital by Default" approach.
You will oversee cost information, guide programme teams, provide insights to leadership, and help maintain a high-performing cost management team.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Oversight

• Oversee the use of the Cost Management framework across the project.
• Ensure all cost processes, guidelines, and work instructions are followed.
• Act as the first point of escalation for Programme Cost Leads.
• Support and develop team members to maintain a high-performing cost function.
• Deputise for the Cost Lead, including running Cost Steering Committees.

Cost Assurance & Reporting

• Act as the first line of defence for checking cost data provided by programme teams.
• Ensure the cost system is kept up to date in line with project timelines.
• Produce high-quality monthly cost reports and data sets.
• Provide accurate assessments of the project's current cost forecast, including approved changes and trends.

Stakeholder Support

• Provide clear, insightful analysis ("so what" insights) to help senior stakeholders make decisions.
• Create presentations and narrative for different audiences, including delivery teams, functions, boards, and investors.
• Work closely with executive leadership teams as required.

Continuous Improvement

• Support the ongoing development of the Cost Management Framework.
• Strengthen links between Cost, Project Controls, and other project functions.
• Drive improvements that support the "Digital by Default" strategy within cost management.
• Help ensure cost information is always placed in the right context and adds value.

Functional Support

• Assist programme teams with any cost-related queries or functional guidance.
• Support ad-hoc cost reports, analysis, and presentations requested by the Cost Lead.

Qualifications
Degree or equivalent qualification in business analysis, accounting, finance, construction, engineering or project management, or related technical field.