Senior Cost Manager

Job Description

WSP is a global, leading engineering and professional services firm. Through its latest acquisition, Lexica, it is enhancing its specialist consultancy work in the health and life sciences sectors. With records of patient‑pathway improvement, laboratory development and educational campus rationalisation, Lexica’s integration will bring together a wide range of skills that set it apart from other consultancies.

As a Senior Cost Manager you will deliver full cost‑management services from initial feasibility to project completion on complex refurbishments and new‑build schemes within the health and life sciences sectors. Your responsibilities will include producing robust cost plans, supporting procurement & tendering, administering contracts, and ensuring strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle. You will work closely with NHS trusts, science clients and design teams.

• Experience utilising common procurement strategies in project delivery.
• Ability to negotiate contract T&Cs for all NEC and JCT forms on behalf of clients and perform the typical Quantity Surveyor role from placement to project completion.
• Lead tender processes and produce Tender & Value for Money reports.
• Assist in cost management through the entire project lifecycle.
• Prepare estimates, cost plans using the NRM‑based approach and pricing schedules, tender and contract documentation.
• Conduct monthly payment assessments.
• Manage construction‑phase cost control: attend site meetings, negotiate variations, produce monthly cost reports to clients.
• Produce cost reports and cash flows for stakeholders and support public‑funding business case preparation.
• Be familiar with the construction industry and thrive in a fast‑paced consultancy environment.
• Actively engage in value and risk management, facilitating risk workshops and delivering value‑engineering proposals.
• Manage junior team members to support their development while delivering for the client.
• Deliver projects within the QS scope of services and agreed fee amount, identifying and raising potential changes or challenges early.

• Degree level or equivalent in Quantity Surveying / Commercial Management.
• A Chartered Professional in surveying with RICS or CIOB, or sufficient experience to attain chartership.
• A demonstrable track record of successful outcomes and the ability to work independently.
• Understanding of typical traditional and design‑and‑build contract T&Cs and mechanisms used in the UK.
• Experience managing two‑stage procurement processes and delivering successfully on behalf of clients at each stage.
• Competence in project controls and financial management, maintaining accurate reporting across all project stages and compliance with client funding and audit standards.
• Strong communication skills, client‑facing experience and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Commercial awareness, logical thinking, and an ability to work efficiently and accurately to high standards.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply and we will review how your experience aligns with this role and other opportunities within the team.

Join a close‑knit community of talented individuals sharing a passion for making a positive impact. With more than 69,000 employees worldwide, WSP is dedicated to creating lasting, positive changes in communities, locally and globally.

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by a common purpose: creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion.

Work‑life balance – Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in modern UK offices.

Inclusivity & Belonging – We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and encourage people to bring their authentic selves to work, supported by employee resource groups promoting a culture of inclusion and…