Cost Engineer/Project Controls Specialist

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced SC Cleared Cost Engineer/Project Controls professional to support a major Defence/UK Government (HMG) digital transformation programme.

This is a senior, hands-on role requiring end-to-end ownership of programme cost management, including estimating, forecasting, cost control, and financial assurance within a complex, regulated environment.

The successful candidate will operate at programme level, providing financial insight, governance support, and decision-making input to senior stakeholders including SROs and Programme Boards.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end programme cost management, including estimating, forecasting, budgeting, and cost control
• Develop and maintain robust cost models aligned to programme scope, schedule, risks, and benefits
• Support and contribute to Full Business Cases (FBCs) in line with HM Treasury Green Book principles
• Monitor financial performance, including budget vs actuals vs forecast analysis
• Deliver variance analysis, cost risk insights, and performance reporting to senior stakeholders
• Integrate cost, schedule (SRA), and risk (QRA) to provide holistic programme insights
• Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques to track performance and predict outcomes
• Identify cost drivers, assumptions, and financial risks, and challenge where necessary
• Provide decision support to Programme Boards and Senior Responsible Owners (SROs)
• Manage cost baselines, change control, and financial governance compliance
• Operate effectively in multi-supplier and complex commercial environments
• Produce high-quality, audit-ready financial and cost documentation

Required Experience

• Proven experience in Project Controls/Cost Engineering roles on large-scale programmes
• Strong background in Defence, Aerospace, MOD, or UK Government (HMG) environments
• Experience supporting or developing Full Business Cases (FBCs)
• Strong knowledge of HM Treasury Green Book principles
• Hands-on experience with cost modelling, forecasting, and financial control
• Experience with EVM (Earned Value Management)
• Exposure to risk (QRA) and schedule (SRA) integration with cost data
• Experience working in multi-supplier, complex delivery environments
• Strong stakeholder management and senior governance reporting experience

Desirable

• CCP, AACE, PMP or equivalent certifications
• Experience with project controls/cost engineering tools
• Strong understanding of commercial models and defence contracting structures