GRAHAM Academy

GRAHAM ACADEMY – GRADUATE COST MANAGER

Benefits: Car Allowance; Subsidised Private Medical Cover; Life Assurance Scheme; Living away from home allowance (where appropriate), Contributory Pension, 35 Days annual leave (Including Public Holidays)

As the GRAHAM business continues to grow, we are excited to offer an opportunity for a Graduate Cost Manager to join our dynamic Pre-Construction team. This is more than just a graduate role, it's a launchpad for a rewarding career in cost management, where you'll gain hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and the chance to make a real impact from day one.

As a Graduate Cost Manager, you'll be at the heart of our pre-construction operations, supporting the financial planning and commercial management of projects before they break ground. You will be supporting the Cost Management Team on projects, ensuring they are delivered to the right scope of time, quality and budget; on design preparation, reports, and contract documents; and when liaising with Clients and Contractors.

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the commercial lifecycle of construction projects, from early feasibility studies and cost planning to tendering and contract preparation.

Job Description

The Graduate Cost Manager shall:

• Assist with the management of all pre-construction quantity surveying activities.
• Assist the cost management team with the preparation of cost estimates, comprehensive cost plans, and precise tender documents.
• Conduct cost analysis and risk management
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and project teams to ensure accurate cost control
• Preparing feasibility estimates, pre-tender estimates and cost plans.
• Advise contract terms and preparing documentation for building contracts
• Assist in the preparation and review of contract documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with procurement and legal standards
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of costs, contracts, and correspondence
• Ensure adherence to company policies, industry standards, and relevant legislation

This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged for the Graduate Cost Manager and the range of duties to be undertaken. It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals.

Technical Competencies

Essential

• Currently studying or recently graduated in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or an equivalent discipline at degree level. · Demonstrate strong communication skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of the technology of construction
• Demonstrate an understanding of surveying and a construction business
• Competent in use of computer software including Microsoft Excel
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

• An appreciation of Health & Safety practices.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Previous work experience specifically in the Construction Industry.
• Able to demonstrate problem solving.

Behavioural Competencies

Essential:

Commercial Awareness: relevant to the position applied for and understanding of why commercial awareness and business acumen are related and how these combine to meet customer needs and GRAHAM business requirements.

Leadership skills: Communicates well and shows commitment to work as part of a fully integrated team.

Effective Communication skills: Able to adapt communication to audience and create detailed written documents and reports under supervision. Able to maintain and manage communication links with a variety of stakeholders. Presents a professional image and promotes the Brand.

Customer Focus: Takes time to question and understand why customer needs are important and wants to forge ongoing sustainable links with customers to act in theirs and the businesses long term interest.

Influencing: Identifies and builds relationships with those who will be useful now and in the future in achieving strategic business objectives.

Initiative: Is able to work alone to get results in an effective way. Understands and seeks to minimise waste in resources and processes. Adopts and encourages others to adopt new ways of working. Demonstrate ability to eventually work unsupervised.

Team Player: Always willing to be involved in other activities to achieve company objectives. Works collaboratively and uses influence to gain resolution of issues. Demonstrates honestly, loyalty and commitment.

Negotiation: Willingness to learn and the ability to understand negotiation skills and why these are important for all supply chain members all contractual rights and obligations are realised and protected.

GRAHAM ROUTES TO BECOMING A COST MANAGER

GRADUATES

We offer a two year programme which focuses on developing your technical and interpersonal skills. In addition, a structured, mentored training programme, aligned to a recognised professional qualification, will set you on the pathway to chartership. Through early responsibility you'll learn quickly on challenging projects with the opportunity for fast track career advancement.

Successful candidates are expected to join the company from June 2026 onwards. This applies to those seeking graduate roles, industrial placements, or apprenticeship opportunities.

If you have any questions please contact a member of our HR team on

Our Commitment to you:

We are proud to say that we are a committed Equal Opportunities Employer and we aim to be the first choice for people where everyone is recognised as an individual and where the richness of a diverse workforce is embraced to maximise business performance and to deliver lasting impact. The principles of Fairness, Inclusion & Respect (FIR) help create a positive team culture, a safer and healthier workplace, more innovation through diversity of ideas and a more productive workforce - everything thrives when we feel valued.

We are only able to consider applications from individuals who are eligible to live and work in the UK, as per Home Office regulations. Please check your eligibility with the regulations before applying, as we may be able to sponsor a work permit on your behalf. Individuals with a current time restricted right to work in the UK, should contact the Human Resources team in the first instance.

A basic disclosure may be requested if security clearance is required by 3rd party clients and a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position. Our Access NI/Vetting and Barring Scheme Policy and Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available upon request.

Please apply to our vacancy portal by uploading a comprehensive and targeted CV with your relevant experiences. Note: All applicants must complete an online monitoring form.