Cost Manager

Overview

The Cost Manager is part of the PMO team, reporting directly to the Cost Lead, and will support the delivery of accurate and timely project information relating to performance against the project baseline. Responsible for administering effective cost control as part of the programme's integrated delivery team. You will drive the cost performance reporting for the programme including EV analysis associated with key commitments and expenditures.

This role encompasses the collation and analysis of Programme Cost Information in accordance with the Cost Management Policy and Procedures, supporting adherence to timely and accurate submissions from the Project Teams. Close liaison with the commercial and finance teams to ensure accurate accruals and contract cost performance is captured appropriately and effective analysis is undertaken against the baseline.

• Supporting the Cost Lead with the implementation of appropriate cost systems, procedures and working templates
• Support to project teams to ensure timely and accurate cost information submission on a regular basis, to include reporting on EAC, ETC, ACWP and comparison to the baseline
• Tracking of actual costs against appropriate cost control structures
• Support the Cost Lead in executing cost re-baseline exercises, forecast and budget updates as appropriate
• Undertake analyses of the Project Cost information to support programme objectives including earned value and trend analysis
• Work closely with the finance and commercial teams to ensure accurate accruals and contract costs are included within the overall EAC and performance reports
• Analysis of Change Requests ensuring cost data is correctly identified/coded (CBS) and change requests are aligned with budgets
• Responsible for supporting the project teams in the use of the cost tools, acting as point of contact for basic user support/training

• Educated to professional standard and membership of an appropriate body and to degree level or equivalent
• Excellent Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Ability to communicate cost and performance information to peers/managers
• Pro-active and able to thrive in a fast-past and dynamic environment
• Good attention to detail and skilled in interpreting and analysing cost data
• Comfortable with challenging assumptions and processes in order to constantly improve the delivery of performance data
• Working knowledge of cost management functions, including cost estimating, cost control, and cost analysis
• Experience of identifying, analysing, and solving problems
• Good understanding/working knowledge of Cost management/forecasting tools (such as PRISM/Eco Sys/Cobra)
• Understanding/working knowledge of Earned Value Methodologies
• Experienced in working within Project Controls in a Major Programme environment