Senior cost manager - target costs and final accounts

Cumming Group is an international project and cost management consultancy delivering innovative solutions in construction, real estate, and infrastructure. With a commitment to collaboration, transparency, and performance excellence, we support some of the world's most respected clients across diverse range of sectors.

Senior Cost Manager – Infrastructure

Cumming Group is an international project and cost management consultancy delivering solutions across construction, real estate and infrastructure.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Cost Manager to join our growing Infrastructure team, supporting the commercial delivery of major infrastructure programmes. This opportunity would particularly suit an experienced Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager with a strong background in NEC contracts, Target Cost management and Final Account settlement.

The Role

As Senior Cost Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day commercial and cost management of infrastructure projects, working closely with clients, contractors and project teams. A key focus of the position will be managing projects through the later stages of the commercial lifecycle, including Target Cost development, commercial assurance, change management and agreement of Final Accounts.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the commercial and cost management of infrastructure projects and programmes.
• Developing, reviewing and agreeing Target Costs with clients and supply chain partners.
• Supporting the preparation, negotiation and settlement of Final Accounts.
• Managing contracts under NEC, including commercial change and compensation event processes.
• Reviewing contractor submissions and providing commercial challenge where required.
• Preparing cost reports, forecasts, valuations and financial updates.
• Monitoring project expenditure against agreed budgets and Target Costs.
• Managing change control and assessing the commercial impact of project changes.
• Supporting procurement, tender evaluation and contract documentation.
• Providing commercial advice to clients and project teams.
• Identifying and managing project risks and opportunities.
• Building strong relationships with clients, contractors and key stakeholders.
• Supporting and mentoring junior members of the Cost Management team.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone with strong commercial judgement who is comfortable taking ownership of complex infrastructure projects. Ideally, you will have:

• Significant experience within Infrastructure, such as utilities, water, rail, highways, energy or major programmes.
• Strong experience of Target Cost development and management.
• Proven experience negotiating and agreeing Final Accounts.
• Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts, ideally NEC3 and/or NEC4.
• Excellent post-contract commercial and cost management experience.
• Experience managing valuations, forecasting, change control and cost reporting.
• The ability to commercially challenge contractor submissions and provide clear recommendations to clients.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder-management skills.
• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management or a related discipline.
• MRICS or equivalent professional qualification would be advantageous but is not essential where supported by strong relevant experience.

Why Cumming Group?

This is an opportunity to join a growing Infrastructure team delivering major programmes across the UK. You will work within a collaborative environment with exposure to complex projects, senior client stakeholders and opportunities to develop your career as the Infrastructure business continues to grow.

Cumming Group is committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment, religion or belief.

Note for Recruitment Agencies: We prefer to hire directly and will contact our PSL agencies if this opportunity is eligible for agency support.