Arcadis
Senior Cost Manager-Edinburgh
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Senior Cost Manager-Edinburgh
Senior Cost Manager – Health, Life Science & Research
Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.
We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
About the Role
We’re expanding our Health, Life Science & Research Cost Management team and are seeking a talented Senior Cost Manager to join us in Edinburgh. This is an opportunity to make a real impact—delivering high-profile projects ranging from complex international programmes to innovative national commissions for leading clients.
You’ll utilise your expertise in cost management, strategic planning, estimating, and budgeting to develop detailed cost plans, assess feasibility, perform benchmarking, and provide procurement support. Your responsibilities will include:
- Evaluating contractor proposals
- Overseeing contract management
- Efficiently handling cost variations from construction to project handoover
This role will see you deliver advanced commercial and quantity surveying guidance across the UK and Europe, with a current focus on London, Oxford, and Cambridge, while also providing support across our broader network. From RIBA Stage 1 (early-stage design) through to full project delivery, you’ll work closely with interdisciplinary teams, mentor more junior colleagues, and help ensure timely, on-budget commitments.
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead quantity surveying and commercial cost management services for clients across health, life sciences, and research sectors.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates, feasibility analyses, and benchmark studies; develop and manage comprehensive cost plans.
- Contribute to procurement activities—evaluate tenders, negotiate with contractors, and manage contract changes and variations.
- Oversee cost control throughout construction and project handover; advise on value engineering and whole-life costing.
- Foster collaboration across design, engineering, and project teams while supporting the professional development of junior staff.
Requirements & Qualifications
- MRICS Quantity Surveyor or equivalent professional qualification; or substantial commercial experience from a diverse background.
- Demonstrated experience managing medium to large-scale construction projects, with an advantage for applicants with research, life sciences, or healthcare sector experience.
- Strong cost estimating abilities and familiarity with industry rates, benchmarking, and cost databases.
- Track record of managing entire project lifecycles from initial concept to delivery, with a focus on building strong client relationships.
- Proficient in digital cost management systems (e.g., CostX, 5D BIM) and an openness to adopting new technologies.
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Why Join Arcadis?
We thrive on the power of curiosity and diversity—empowering our employees to contribute uniqueness to our collective efforts. By embracing a skills-based approach, we chart each individual’s career path to align with global ambitions and deliver sustainable solutions for today’s challenges.
Here, meaningful work is our promise, and shaping a legacy in healthcare infrastructure and beyond is yours to create.
Our Commitment
At Arcadis, we champion equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (ED&I). Strategies are heavily rooted in six worker-led programs: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+, and Race. A diversified and skilled workforce is essential to innovation and success.
Ready to build your legacy at Arcadis? Join us and help transform science and healthcare infrastructure.
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