Senior Cost Specialist

Cost Engineer (PMO Cost Specialist – Intermediate)
 
Location: 
Reading
 
Contract Duration:
26 weeks
 
Working Pattern:
Full-time, site-based – 66 hours per week
 
Shift Pattern:
11 shifts on / 3 shifts off
 
Clearance Requirement:
Candidates must be eligible for SC Clearance. They may start on BPSS, provided SC clearance is in progress.
All applicants must have lived and worked in the UK for the past 5 years.
 
Certification Requirement:
Valid CSCS or ECS card required prior to starting.
Job Purpose
As an Intermediate Cost Engineer (PMO Cost Specialist), you will support non-complex projects by applying cost control, budgeting, change management, and financial oversight. You’ll be responsible for developing and managing project scopes and budgets, monitoring costs, and ensuring project alignment with commercial and contractual requirements — under the supervision of senior project controls personnel.
Key Responsibilities Top 5 Major Tasks and Activities

Develop, implement, and maintain Project Baseline Budgets including Control Account Plans, WBS Dictionary, and Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM).
Monitor, control, and validate project accruals, commitments, and resource/financial forecasts.
Manage and control cost risk budgets and provide input to risk management processes.
Lead financial change management and ensure compliance with business and contractual requirements.
Deliver internal and external cost reports, including earned value and variance analysis.

 
Additional Responsibilities

Align cost control with schedule and contractual requirements.
Maintain cost elements within ERP systems.
Act as key financial liaison with client and project accountant.
Support project setup, estimates, and commercial forecasting.
Manage change registers, control accounts, booking codes, and payment claims.
Ensure cost-loaded schedules are in place and updated.
Perform what-if cost modelling, EAC reviews, and financial analysis.
Support lessons learned and project close-out processes.

 
Deliverables

Performance Measurement Baseline
WBS Dictionary & Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS)
Control Account Plans & RAM
EVM/Cost Reports & Forecasts
Payment Claims and Outturns
Change, Risk, and Opportunity Register Contributions

 
Required Experience & Qualifications Experience

Extensive cost control experience within a complex, regulated or high-security industry.
Strong understanding of EVM, forecasting, estimating, and budgeting.
Familiarity with project lifecycle from bid to close-out.
Exposure to contracting methodologies (e.g., NEC, FIDIC, JCT).
Experience with quantitative risk analysis and cost risk budgeting.

 
Qualifications

HNC or equivalent in Cost Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related discipline (required).
ECITB QCF Level 5 Diploma (or equivalent) in Cost Engineering.
Professional membership (e.g., APM, AcostE, RICS) preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction/project management is desirable.

 
Certifications

CSCS or ECS card (mandatory for site access).

 
About NRLThe NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future. We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer. You can ensure you stay safe when job searching online by visiting the JobsAware website.