Cost Engineering Lead - Energy Infrastructure

We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Cost Engineering Lead to lead the delivery of Cost Engineering services across major programmes and projects. This is a senior leadership role responsible for establishing best practice cost management processes, providing project controls assurance, and supporting clients with informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. Working within highly regulated sectors, including major nuclear, energy and infrastructure programmes, you will lead cost engineering teams, provide expert cost management advice, and ensure robust cost governance, forecasting and performance reporting. You will play a key role in delivering successful project outcomes while supporting the continued growth and development of our Cost Engineering 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. Experience supporting major infrastructure and nuclear programmes would be highly advantageous, with a strong understanding of governance, business cases, risk management, cost control and project assurance across the full project lifecycle. Day-to-Day Duties • Provide leadership and direction for Cost Engineering services across a portfolio of major capital projects and programmes. • Establish and maintain cost management processes, governance frameworks, procedures and standards to ensure consistent and effective project delivery. • Lead the implementation and assurance of cost management 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. • Produce and present cost and performance reporting to project teams, senior stakeholders and client leadership. • Integrate cost management activities with planning, risk, change, commercial and project management functions to provide a comprehensive view of project performance. • Lead cost forecasting and financial performance management activities, ensuring timely identification of trends, risks and opportunities. • Manage earned value management (EVM), trend analysis, benchmarking and performance measurement activities. • Provide expert advice on cost management, business cases, investment decisions, affordability assessments and project controls governance. • Implement and maintain effective change control, cost assurance and project governance processes. • Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Programme Managers, Commercial Managers, Risk Managers and Planning teams to support successful project delivery. • Lead cost risk identification, quantitative risk analysis and mitigation activities to improve forecasting confidence and delivery certainty. • Manage, mentor and develop Cost Engineers and Cost Managers, supporting capability development and professional growth. • Support recruitment, resource planning and succession planning activities to ensure appropriate project delivery capacity. • Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor on cost management and project performance matters. • Support business development activities, including bid preparation, proposal development and client presentations. • Drive continuous improvement, innovation and digital transformation initiatives within Cost Engineering and Project Controls. • Promote best practice cost management principles and contribute to the development of the wider Project Controls community. Key Leadership Responsibilities • Lead and develop high-performing Cost Engineering teams. • Provide technical ov