Cost Manager – MEP (Manchester)

About the role

The Cost Manager – MEP will take full accountability for regional cost management and engineering, delivering accurate and competitive prime costs for MEP projects. You will lead the cost engineering function, support bid and pre‑construction teams, and ensure clear visibility of cost drivers, risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Provide leadership and development for the cost engineering team to achieve sales and gross‑profit targets.
• Ensure consistent, compliant pricing across all pre‑construction activities in line with NG Bailey processes.
• Work with Pre‑Construction Leads to define pricing strategies focused on profit, risk management and client value.
• Report monthly on tenders and PCSA activity, tracking progress and mitigation actions.
• Collaborate with Operations, Commercial, Design, Procurement, Planning and project teams to shape tender pricing strategy.
• Deliver cost planning services and maintain accurate historic cost data across project types.
• Monitor market pricing, competition, risks and stakeholder activity.
• Validate quotations with Procurement, apply optimal buying strategies and ensure supply‑chain compliance.
• Maintain Estimation, SharePoint and related reporting systems, producing required monthly reports.
• Organise handover of winning bids to Operations, highlighting commercial opportunities and risk areas.
• Uphold the highest levels of commercial confidentiality.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years experience as a Senior Estimator or Cost Manager.
• Management experience leading cost engineering or estimating teams (desirable).
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience in cost planning, pricing strategy and risk management.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and supply‑chain compliance.
• Ability to produce accurate cost data and maintain historic cost databases.

Required skills

• Cost estimation
• Cost planning
• SharePoint

What we offer

• Permanent contract
• Competitive salary
• Car or car allowance
• Flexible benefits package