Cost Engineering Director (Project Controls) - Energy Infrastructure

We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Cost Engineering Director to lead the delivery of Cost Engineering and Project Controls services across major programmes and projects. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for establishing best practice cost management frameworks, providing assurance across project portfolios, and supporting clients with informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Working within a highly regulated environment, including major nuclear and infrastructure programmes, you will lead multidisciplinary teams, provide expert cost engineering advice and ensure robust cost governance, forecasting and performance reporting. You will also contribute to business growth, client relationship management and development of Project Controls capability.
The successful candidate will have extensive experience leading Cost Engineering functions across complex capital projects, with expertise in forecasting, cost governance, earned value management, risk integration and performance management. Roles supporting the UK's nuclear new build ambitions require strong governance, business case, risk, cost and programme control capabilities across the full project lifecycle.
Day-to-Day Duties
Provide leadership and strategic direction for Cost Engineering and Project Controls services across a portfolio of major capital programmes and projects.
Establish and maintain cost management frameworks, governance processes, procedures and standards to ensure consistency and quality across project delivery.
Lead the development, implementation and assurance of project controls systems, tools and reporting structures.
Oversee project budgets, cost forecasts, Estimates at Completion (EAC), Estimates to Complete (ETC), Actual Cost of Work Performed (ACWP) and variance analysis.
Direct the preparation and presentation of cost and performance reporting for senior leadership, programme boards and client stakeholders.
Lead integrated cost management activities across planning, risk, change, commercial and project management disciplines to provide a holistic view of project performance.
Own portfolio-level cost forecasting and financial performance management, ensuring timely identification of trends, risks and opportunities.
Lead earned value management (EVM), trend analysis, benchmarking and performance measurement activities to support programme objectives.
Provide strategic advice on business cases, investment decisions, affordability assessments and project controls governance. Business case development, governance and cost planning are key requirements across the nuclear programme lifecycle.
Ensure robust change control and cost assurance processes are implemented and effectively managed across programmes and projects.
Collaborate with Project Directors, Programme Managers, Commercial Managers, Risk Managers and Planning teams to support successful project outcomes.
Lead cost risk identification, quantitative analysis and mitigation planning to improve forecasting confidence and delivery certainty.
Manage and develop high-performing Cost Engineering teams through mentoring, coaching, performance management and capability development.
Support recruitment, succession planning and resource management activities to ensure appropriate delivery capacity across commissions.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor on project controls, cost management and programme performance matters.
Support business development activities including bidding, proposal preparation, client presentations and strategic growth initiatives.
Champion digital transformation, innovation and continuous improvement within Cost Engineering and Project Controls disciplines.
You have extensive Project Controls and Cost Engineering experience gained across major programmes and projects within sectors such as Nuclear, Energy, Defence, Infrastructure, Transportation or other highly regulated environments.
You have a proven track record of leading Cost Engineering teams, developing project controls capability and delivering robust cost management solutions across multiple stages of the project lifecycle.
Significant experience leading Cost Engineering and Project Controls teams across major capital projects, programmes and portfolios.
Expert knowledge of cost management principles, forecasting methodologies, project controls governance and industry best practice.
Advanced proficiency in Project Controls and Cost Management tools, including EcoSys, PRISM, Cobra, Primavera P6, SAP, Power BI and Microsoft Excel.
Strong experience in cost forecasting, budget management, cost reporting, cost assurance, change control, earned value management (EVM), performance measurement and quantitative risk analysis.
Experience developing and implementing cost governance frameworks, project controls procedures and performance reporting processes within complex project environments.
Proven ability to develop business cases, support investment decisions and provide strategic cost and performance insights to senior stakeholders.
Strong understanding of the integration between Cost, Planning & Scheduling, Risk Management, Change Control and Performance Reporting disciplines within a Project Controls environment.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and challenge at Executive, Director and Programme leadership level.
Strong leadership capability with experience managing multidisciplinary teams, coaching professionals and developing Project Controls capability.
Highly analytical, with the ability to interpret complex cost and performance data and translate findings into actionable business recommendations.
Experience delivering Cost Engineering services within Energy (Nuclear, Renewables, Transmission & Distribution, Oil & Gas, Low Carbon) and/or Infrastructure (Water, Utilities, Rail, Highways, Aviation) sectors.
Experience working on major programmes, complex project portfolios and regulated environments.
Working knowledge and practical application of NEC3 and NEC4 contracts.
Degree qualified in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Project Controls, Finance or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
Membership of a relevant professional body such as APM, AACE International, RICS, PMI or equivalent.
Eligible to obtain BPSS security clearance, and where required, higher levels of UK security clearance.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No