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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 sectorsDesirable

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