Senior Cost Manager - Healthcare Construction

Job Description

Act as the primary client interface, ensuring cost management objectives are achieved across healthcare, academic, and biopharma construction projects.

Prepare and deliver cost estimates and detailed cost plans throughout design and construction phases, aligned with project scope and milestones.

Support cost planning on large-scale projects including clinical facilities, specialty treatment centers, and life sciences manufacturing environments.

Review and collaborate with design teams and contractors to develop accurate cost estimates and validate pricing assumptions.

Lead change order management, including estimating, negotiation, reconciliation, and tracking of cost impacts throughout the project lifecycle.

Produce monthly cost reports, including executive summaries, cost forecasts, and variance analysis for stakeholders.

Cover all sources of cost information including contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and design teams to ensure accurate cost reporting.

Provide commercial input into design development, value engineering, and optioneering to optimize cost efficiency.

Perform quantity surveying, cost controls, and cost auditing to ensure financial accuracy and adherence to budgets.

Maintain cost control systems, including contingency tracking, commitment logs, and benchmarking data for future analysis.

Participate in post-contract cost management, including change control processes and final account negotiations.

Support resolution of cost and scheduling issues through proactive risk identification and data-driven recommendations.

Lead cost validation processes and ensure robust governance around cost reporting and financial controls.

Prepare funding analysis and support value engineering sessions with project stakeholders.

Deliver cost management services across projects with high technical complexity, including MEP-intensive and regulated environments.

Mentor and support junior team members, fostering professional development and high-performance delivery.

Ensure consistent application of company systems, methodologies, and financial tracking tools across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, quantity surveying, engineering, or related field.
• 5–7+ years of experience in construction cost management, preferably within healthcare or life sciences sectors.
• Experience supporting medium to large-scale, complex construction projects.
• Consultancy experience preferred.
• Knowledge of procurement routes, value management, and value engineering principles.
• Strong communication and client-facing skills.
• RICS accreditation (or working towards) preferred.