Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Gardiner & Theobald is an independent construction and property consultancy committed to providing world class service to our clients. Our dedicated team of over 1,300 people delivers Cost Management, Project Management and Specialist Consultancy services from a network of UK and US offices bound by a common purpose - to build a better tomorrow. We define our success by the value we create for our clients, the fulfilling careers we build for our people and our contribution to the communities we work in. Our long-term business performance aligns profit with purpose, taking social and environmental responsibility for our actions and the legacy we leave behind. People are central to our mission. Rewarding individuals based on their unique abilities, talent and hard work, we believe in the quality of experiences and investing in a collaborative culture where all can thrive.

We are currently looking for a Project Cost Consultant to support the growth of the business and the continued delivery of world class service to our diverse client base. Our Cost Management teams work across a variety of sectors, offering you the chance to work on a wide variety of interesting and stimulating projects with no sector boundaries while our focus on training and development creates the perfect environment in which to progress your career.

Working within a dedicated and dynamic cost team and reporting directly into senior leadership, this is an exciting opportunity to work on high profile projects across the built environment. The ideal candidate will have experience as the day-to-day project lead and contact, thriving on challenges and client-facing roles, being both eager to learn and develop whilst also helping to drive forward our position as an industry leader. Your attention to detail, analytical skills and ability to collaborate with various stakeholders will be paramount to your success and the overall success of the projects.

There are also opportunities to be involved in the evolving role of cost management including market leading initiatives, utilising new software, use of Power BI, sector communities, specialist forums and business development.

As a Project Cost Consultant you will be part of a team managing pre and post contract activities ranging from managing procurements and project finances to undertaking estimates and ensuring that projects are delivered within budget constraints. You will begin to develop specialist knowledge and be responsible for a part of a project. You will be encouraged to support team members and play a part in growing the business through participation in the firm’s wider initiatives.

The key responsibilities of the role will include:
- Procurement: Understanding of core procurement and contract options, ability to take market soundings, establish potential supply chain, report results and develop inputs into procurement strategy. Experience of developing and preparing a full suite of tender documents. Ability to lead a tender evaluation process including reviewing and analysing tender returns, chairing evaluation/consensus meetings and drafting Tender Reports for client approval. Supporting with negotiating and collating contract documents with Client teams and Contractors. Stakeholder engagement experience with effective communication at all levels. Strong report writing, production and presentation skills including ability to use relevant role related software.
- Post-Contract Cost Management: Ability to monitor construction budgets, preparing and presenting detailed cost reports, cashflow forecasts, and financial analysis to the team member or the Client. Experience managing post-contract change control (preferably JCT and/or NEC suite of contracts). Undertake assessment of works completed for application for payments. Negotiate and prepare final accounts. Identify and assess potential risks associated with construction projects, developing strategies to mitigate and manage identified risks. Provide proactive advice to project teams on risk-related issues to avoid disputes and delays.
- Cost Planning, Estimating and Benchmarking: Ability to use CostX as a measurement tool. Conduct accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including measurement and consideration of all project factors to inform rates throughout the design stage. Knowledge and ability to prepare and deliver cost plans. Analyse and evaluate the potential cost impact of design changes. Undertake market testing of costs, including liaising with specialist subcontractors and suppliers. Knowledge and ability to develop plans to analyse and bridge gaps resulting from benchmarking exercises. Able to undertake detailed reconciliations tracking cost movement from stage to stage.

Experience
Pre and post contract experience. Experience working under construction contract terms and conditions, preferably JCT and NEC. Previous experience within a consultancy environment is desirable but not essential. Experience working in a client-focused environment with a personal commitment to excellent client service. Previous experience of Microsoft platforms.

About You
A strategic thinker with broad problem-solving skills. Able to work on own initiative. Able to demonstrate an understanding of market issues and events and their impact. Positive attitude with a willingness to get involved in business-wide initiatives. Able to work closely with internal teams, clients, and project teams to ensure effective communication and coordination.

Qualifications
Degree qualified. MRICS preferred but not essential; training support will be provided to gain your professional qualification.