Cost Assurance Manager

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Job Reference nhg/TP/36088/2033

Apply for this job Number of Positions: 1 Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £72,935 to £81,039 per annum for 35 hours per week. Working Hours: 35 Location: 2 Killick St Closing Date: 08/11/2026 Job Category: Compliance and Energy Business Unit: Homes Directorate

Job Introduction

What you’ll do

We are looking for an experienced quantity surveying or cost management professional to lead our independent cost assurance service across Engineering Services.

You will ensure contractor pricing, variations, valuations and final accounts are thoroughly reviewed, supported by evidence and aligned with the scope and quality of the work delivered. You will also own and develop our Schedule of Rates, bringing this expertise in-house and establishing a consistent and transparent approach to pricing across relevant programmes.

As a people manager, you will lead and develop a specialist team, providing clear direction and building a high-performing cost assurance function.

How you’ll do it

• Lead the delivery of independent cost assurance across Engineering Services, ensuring contractor pricing, variations, valuations and final accounts are consistently reviewed and robustly challenged.
• Own, develop and maintain the Schedule of Rates, ensuring it provides a controlled, benchmarked and consistent basis for pricing across relevant programmes.
• Take responsibility for the governance, integrity and consistent application of the Schedule of Rates (ROS), including maintaining appropriate cost data and version control.
• Lead and develop the SOR Coordinator team, setting clear expectations, managing performance and building specialist capability.
• Ensure cost assurance activity is effectively planned, prioritised and delivered to a consistently high standard.
• Ensure contractor pricing and commercial submissions, identifying discrepancies, pricing anomalies, inefficiencies and potential cost risks.
• Ensure pricing accurately reflects the specification, quality and scope of the work delivered, supporting strong financial control and value for money.
• Build and maintain robust valuation and variation processes, while ensuring cost assurance records are accurate, complete and auditable.
• Work collaboratively with Compliance and Energy SMT, Procurement and Engineering teams, providing independent cost insight while supporting continuous improvement across the service

The ideal candidate

We believe great service starts with great people, and we are committed to recruiting and developing passionate, enthusiastic, and talented individuals who can add value to our thriving organisation. 

You will be an experienced cost assurance, quantity surveying or commercial professional with the confidence to challenge contractor pricing and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations. You will combine strong technical knowledge with the leadership and communication skills needed to manage a specialist team and work effectively with colleagues, contractors and stakeholders.

Pending confirmation of legislative changes, this role may require a qualification to demonstrate competence. If not already qualified, there may be an expectation to study towards a professional qualification. 

Essential:

• A Level 5 qualification, or equivalent, in quantity surveying, construction or commercial management.
• Experience in quantity surveying, cost management or a commercial role within housing, construction, facilities or a similar regulated environment.
• Strong working knowledge of measurement, cost management, variations, final accounts and benchmarking, including experience reviewing and challenging contractor pricing and commercial submissions.
• Experience developing or working with a Schedule of Rates or a similar pricing framework, including maintaining cost data and financial records.
• An understanding of construction processes, commercial practices, contract structures, pricing models and cost-control mechanisms.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience building, managing and developing a specialist team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess costs, identify discrepancies and make informed judgements.
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