WSP in the UK & Ireland
Senior Cost Manager (Health and Life Sciences)
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Senior Cost Manager (Health and Life Sciences)
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects, and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. Embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. Experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
About the Role
The Health and Life Sciences Advisory team within WSP helps organisations become more efficient and effective across sectors like the NHS, science, and education. Whether improving patient pathways, developing laboratories, or optimising educational campuses—our clients work with us because of our wide-ranging skills and collaborative approach.
The business incorporates physical sciences, analytical, and specialty engineering services, business risk assurance, construction and major fit-out, commercial, legal, and real estate advisory services.
The Position
Senior Cost Manager (Health & Life Sciences)
As a Senior Cost Manager, you’ll support our team in delivering high-value projects across the health and life sciences sectors.
Your role will involve:
- Providing full cost management services from feasibility to completion on complex refurbishments and new-build schemes
- Delivering robust cost plans, supporting procurement and tendering, and ensuring strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle
- Managing and coordinating with NFHS Trusts, science clients, and design teams
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Manage project delivery using all common procurement strategies (traditional, design & build, alliances, and frame agreements)
- Negotiate contract terms & conditions for NEC and JCT contracts, acting as the primary advisor to the client on project costs
- Lead tender processes, producing Tender and Value-for-Money reports for purchasers
- Maximise commercial value for the client across design development stages and construction phases
- Develop cost plans, pricing schedules, and contract documentation
- Serve as the client’s construction cost manager, authorising contract payments, preparing monthly reports, and advising on variations
- Monitor project progress, costs, and risks, reporting on profitability, compliance, and financial control internally and externally
- Present cost reports and cashflows to stakeholders and support the preparation of business cases for public funding
- Work collaboratively across the team, both internal and external stakeholders
- Mentor junior team members, fostering their development while ensuring successful project outcomes
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Technical Requirements
| Cost Manuals | NRM, SACA |
|---|---|
| Contract Types | NEC (Engineering & Construction Contract), JCT |
| Procurement | 2-Stage Approval Process |
| Risk/Value Management | Risk workshops, Value Engineering Proposals |
Requirements
- Degree (or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying / Commercial Management
- Chartered Professional registration with either RICS or CIOB, OR sufficient experience to attain chartership
- Track record of success and ability to work independently
- Experience in:
- Managing two-stage procurement processes
- Commercial awareness, cost planning, tender analysis, cashflow reporting, risk assessment, and value engineering
- Technical appraisal and consultancy experience across traditional health, education, research, and science projects
- Essential that you are a commercial problem-solver, widely experienced in civils and fit-out projects
About You
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients, discipline consultants, subcontractors, and supply chain teams
- Experience in the health and/or education sectors, with exposure to public funding procurement and finance processes
- Strong understanding of construction contracts, Health & Safety, and contract management principles
- Competence in project controls while ensuring financial compliance and profit management
- Tech-savvy: Proficiency in project controls and data reporting tools
- A standout sponsor for diversity, equity, and inclusion in your professional and personal life
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Not quite meeting all the criteria? Apply anyway—we’ll consider how your expertise aligns with this role or other opportunities in the team.
About WSP
We’re in the business of engineering a better world. Our nearly 69,000 employees create real psychological safety and impact in every community we touch through innovation, integrity, and inclusive excellence.
Providing a world of opportunity to everyone
Why Join WSP?
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible hybrid working (two days per week from home + in-office collaboration)
- WSP My Hour: Protect one hour each day for personal needs (flexible carryover)
Inclusivity & Belonging
WSP values diversity, offering:
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that foster a culture of belonging
- Leadership for All programs to empower underrepresented employees
Health & Wellbeing
- Thrive program – healthy eating, exercise, and mental wellness initiatives
- Virtual GP service (NHS or HSE doctors) for quick, accessible medical advice
- workplace adjustments for disability, menopause support, and time off to care
- 40% discount through our Gymflex partnership and a comprehensive health and wellbeing program
Development & Growth
- Investments in training, mentoring, and chartership support
- Opportunities for advancement and leadership
Values Alignment
WSP is an organisation where every construction project is a step in the right direction for humanity. Join us to make a lasting impact.
Shaping the Future of Work
We’re proudly an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from everyone—regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, identity, veteran status, or mindset. As a Disability Confident Employer, we commit to interviewing all disabled candidates who meet job criteria.
Don’t just work here—advance the future every day.
➡️ Apply today.
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