Cost Intelligence Manager

Cost Intelligence Manager Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Cost Intelligence Manager to join a major regulated infrastructure organization located near Brighton, East Sussex. This permanent position offers a competitive salary between £66,000 and £94,000, along with a 5% bonus and a hybrid working model.

The Cost Intelligence Manager will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading a cost intelligence capability that supports capital investment decisions, regulatory submissions, and long-term efficiency improvements. This high-impact position is ideal for an experienced commercial professional capable of operating at a strategic level, influencing senior stakeholders, and building a new function from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the cost estimating and benchmarking service to support strategic asset planning and capital delivery.
• Provide cost assurance and constructive challenge across the supply chain to drive efficiency and value for money.
• Develop and own costing methodologies to support regulatory price reviews, including engagement with regulators.
• Produce executive-level reporting on cost efficiency for investment committees and senior leadership.
• Manage cost libraries, benchmarking data, and cost modeling tools to support business planning.
• Build and lead a new in-house cost intelligence team, including systems, processes, and governance.
• Manage residual outsourced services for complex schemes and peak demand periods.
• Specify and procure future cost intelligence contracts for specialist and surge requirements.

Skills and Experience Required

• Expert knowledge of cost management, estimating, and benchmarking within construction or infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts and commercial delivery models.
• Proven experience managing outsourced services and transitioning operating models.
• Ability to influence and challenge at executive and board level.
• Demonstrated capability to establish and lead teams from scratch.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including engagement with regulators and shareholders.
• Highly numerate with strong business case development and commercial acumen.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a numerate discipline.
• MRICS or membership of a similar professional body.
• Significant post-graduate experience in construction, water, or infrastructure sectors.
• Desirable: Post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject.
• Experience transitioning services between outsourced and in-house models.
• Project management or management qualification.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a critical commercial function with long-term strategic importance. The role offers genuine influence over investment decisions, regulatory outcomes, and organizational capability while working in a hybrid model based near Brighton. For a confidential discussion or further details, please reach out.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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