Cost Intelligence Manager

Cost Intelligence Manager
Location: Near Brighton Hybrid working
Salary: 66,000 - 94,000 + 5% Bonus
Hours: 37 hours per week

We are supporting a major regulated infrastructure organisation in the South East with the appointment of a senior Cost Intelligence Manager. This is a high-impact role with responsibility for establishing and leading a cost intelligence capability that will underpin capital investment decisions, regulatory submissions and long-term efficiency improvements.

This position suits an experienced commercial professional who can operate at strategic level, influence senior stakeholders and build a new function from the ground up.

The Role

The Cost Intelligence Manager will be accountable for creating and leading a cost estimating and benchmarking function. The role will provide independent challenge to delivery and supply chain costs, support strategic asset planning and play a critical role in future regulatory price reviews.

A key element of the role is the transition from a fully outsourced cost intelligence model to a predominantly in-house capability over the next three years. This includes developing the business case, securing approvals, recruiting and mobilising a new team and managing the exit of incumbent suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the cost estimating and benchmarking service supporting 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 modelling 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

Essential:

• 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

Why Apply

This is a rare opportunity to shape a critical commercial function with long-term strategic importance. The role offers genuine influence over investment decisions, regulatory outcomes and organisational capability, while working in a hybrid model based near Brighton.

For a confidential discussion or further details, please get in touch.