Rider Levett Bucknall RLB
Assistant Cost Manager (Graduate)

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Application Deadline: 28 October 2026
Department: Cost Management
Location: London
Description
Title: Assistant Cost Manager (Graduate)
Discipline: Cost Management
Location: London (With Hybrid Working)
Why RLB?
At RLB, we live by four simple ideas: Truth, Trust, Together, Tomorrow. Four values that live at the heart of RLB. A place where People Make Progress.
RLB is a great place to start your career in the built environment. We’re proud of how we guide, mentor and support people from the earliest stages of their careers, laying the foundations for their future success.
RLB’s Future Professionals programme, our development scheme for graduates, is designed to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. This comprehensive scheme spans two years for graduates, providing structured training support every step of the way, and the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects.
Participants receive mentoring from chartered professionals and additional training focused on both soft and technical skills, ensuring they are well-equipped to achieve their career and chartership goals.
What makes RLB unique is our inclusive culture. As an independent, employee-owned business, teamwork and collaboration lies at the heart of everything we do. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies are just some of the ways we invest in employee wellbeing.
Join us and you will thrive personally as well as professionally.
Role Overview
As a Graduate Cost Manager, you will join our structured Graduate Development Programme, designed to support your journey towards achieving chartership with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Our programme combines hands-on project experience, technical training, and mentorship from experienced professionals to help you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to progress in your career. You will gain exposure to all aspects of cost management within a consultancy environment, working across a variety of projects and sectors.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Role Responsibilities
- Preparing cost estimates, budgets, and cost plans.
- Assisting with feasibility studies and benchmarking.
- Supporting the preparation of tender and contract documents.
- Conducting cost analysis and value engineering exercises.
- Monitoring and reporting on project costs throughout the project lifecycle.
- Supporting the assessment and valuation of variations and change control.
- Assisting with the preparation of final accounts.
- Engaging with clients, contractors, and design teams under the guidance of senior colleagues.
- Maintaining accurate project records and data.
- Participating in internal and external project meetings.
- Supporting the team with research, reporting, and best practice development.
Qualifications
A RICS-accredited degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline (essential)
Behaviours
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage workload, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Eagerness to learn and develop within a consultancy environment.
- Proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Team player with the confidence to contribute ideas.
- No prior technical experience required – full training and support provided.
RLB Employee Benefits
Our culture is built around enabling you to fulfil your potential, so you can look forward to benefits that include:
- Hybrid Working - Working patterns to support your work-life balance. As well as competitive maternity and paternity packages.
- Well-Rewarded - A competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement. As well as the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days.
- Focus On Wellbeing - We offer a number of health and wellness options, including gym membership and cycle to work schemes.
- Healthcare Packages - Private healthcare insurance and medical support, including dental insurance and eyecare vouchers.
- Personal Development - A continuous learning and development programme, including established APC and in-house mentoring schemes.
- Additional Benefits - We offer a wide range of benefits including a season ticket loan and professional membership subscriptions.
- Exceptional Exposure - You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different sectors and regions.
- Social Responsibility - We hold team and social events as well as charity fundraising and volunteering activities.


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Our Diversity & Inclusion Promise
We believe in building a diverse and inclusive environment where each person can be themselves, feel valued for their contribution and be challenged and supported to reach their full potential. We have a responsibility to support the communities in which we live and work, and that our workforce should reflect these communities and our clients. Our talent strategy should enable us to overcome bias in the construction industry by recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. Find out more here: [Diversity & Inclusion - RLB | Europe](Diversity & Inclusion - RLB | Europe)
If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during any stage of the application or interview process, please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@uk.rlb.com
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