Senior Cost Consultant

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our . 

Within our consult business, we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential of every project. 

The project: A variety of university projects across the South West England.

This role is to work as part of the wider university UK team as part of the senior leadership team. The UK university sector is undergoing continuous change because of the pandemic that will change the way the built environment meets the needs of its users, becoming more flexible and adaptable to blending ways of learning. Decarbonisation of the university estate continues more than ever to be a priority and in line with the Mace priorities, we continue to support universities in achieving their own ambitions in response to the climate emergency declarations.

At Mace, we have extensive experience delivering projects, estate strategies, estate master planning and supporting the decarbonisation of their estate for a wide range of university clients across the UK. We are currently expanding our university team and are seeking a talented senior cost consultant to join us, this opportunity will support and grow our project and programme management services and will be instrumental in driving numerous high-profile projects, making it an essential addition to our team. 
The role will involve taking responsibility for end-to-end service delivery, often with respect to large and complex commissions within the public and private sectors. You will get the opportunity to work on prestigious projects with high profile clients in an exciting time for Mace as we continue to develop our market offerings.

Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey, they are:

Safety first - Going home safe and well: 

You will be an advocate of Mace's value of Safety First, and be accountable for leading and maintaining exceptional safety, quality, cost, programme, sustainability and project compliance standards.

You will possess technical expertise in local Health and Safety rules and regulations relevant to project portfolio.

You will champion a diverse and inclusive working environment, and understand the importance of the wellbeing of the people you manage. 

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: 

You will manage cost planning including ownership of and presenting cost plans to clients and internal stakeholders.

You will manage the procurement process, ensuring stages including prequalification, enquiry, analysis, selection and contract preparation are performed effectively.

You will support the delivery of cost management services to deliver key strategic outcomes and KPIs, directly influencing strategic development of plans.

Accountable for feasibility studies, advising on procurement strategies and contract selection, writing and undertaking procurement reports.

Utilises expertise and applies the value management techniques at the outset of a project.

Manages, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan.

Contributes to the procurement process, ensuring that all stages including prequalification, enquiry, analysis, selection and contract preparation are performed effectively.

Supervises the preparation of the contract documents, warranties, bonds and licenses and assist formal execution by the appropriate parties.

Advises on administration of the terms of the building contract.

Accountable for the measurement of valuations of the work carried out and ensuring that cost checking and valuation work is managed effectively.

Ensures adequate cost control and reporting services during the contract and the production of monthly post-contract cost reports and presenting them to the client.

Identifies all costs associated with design changes, contract awards, construction activities and client charges.

Oversees and engages in the evaluation of claims for delay and additional costs made by the contractor and any nominated subcontractors/suppliers.

Provides comprehensive advise on the issuing of certificate of making good defects and final completion in accordance with any requirements relating to completion, submissions and approvals.

Advises on the issue of certificates of practical completion and ensure that final accounts are negotiated and agreed.

Manages team of Cost Consultants, providing guidance, direction and coaching and performance management.

Delivers improvements in systems and processes, driving transformational change.

Provides mentoring/training to members of the team.

Shares technical/functional/domain expertise to upskill capabilities. Develops and maintains a series of both internal and external relationships.

Manages and influences Key/Senior stakeholders. Identifies and implements continuous improvement plans/identifies key business improvements. Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: 

You will manage operations that are fiscally and ethically viable, influencing the achievement of business objectives that.

align with business and legislative compliance obligations.

You will work collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

You will commit to making a positive impact for our people, our clients, and our planet, and take ownership for holding others to account who do not uphold the Mace values. 

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: 

You will manage teams, demonstrating effective leadership to ensure excellence in delivery against plans, championing a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities.

You will actively network, innovate, and seek understanding of best practice, utilising the full depth of knowledge of Mace Group, the Centres of Excellence, Mace Way Control Centre and Knowledge Hub.

You will manage other Cost Consultants to identify and execute opportunities that improve cost management procedures, templates and products to enhance services provided to stakeholders. 

You’ll need to have: 

A degree qualification in a relevant discipline and a member of a professional body institute such as RICS or CIOB. 

Proven experience with higher education clients. Track record of winning and delivering work for new build, refurbishment, and infrastructure works and estate master planning experience in the delivery of complex HE projects. 

Wide experience of strategic advice on the built environment such as estate strategies, master planning, decarbonisation, and technology. 

Experience in contract administration and using various forms of contract, in particular, NEC will be preferable. 

Experience in negotiating, influencing and communication skills to command professional respect at all levels.

Digitally savvy, can build lasting client relationships and lead high-performing teams within a commercial environment. 

Cost consultancy practice and be hungry to grow your career and enjoy the opportunities Mace has to offer.

You’ll also have:

Degree in quantity surveying/cost management (or equivalent).

Professional membership i.e. MRICS/RICS (or equivalent) and moving towards fellowship, or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.

Commercial and financial acumen.

Knowledge of value engineering, life cycle costing, contract law and contractual frameworks relating to construction.

Experience of managing parts of projects within large, diverse teams.

Experience of managing relationships with key senior stakeholders.

Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation. 
We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role. 
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