Consultant – Cost Assurance- Transport & Utilities – Bristol, Cardiff & Plymouth NEW

• Work with a diverse team of backgrounds and skillsets, leading and aiding junior members to facilitate their development and growth

• Input into the development of the service line by contributing to bids and business generation

• Take a lead in the ongoing refinement of internal training and product management in relation to the service line

Job Objectives:  

Undertake assurance reviews across major construction projects and programmes, assessing supply chain systems, processes and contract administration practices to provide assurance against contractual compliance, entitlement and control effectiveness. Support the identification of risks and opportunities, contributing to practical recommendations that improve project outcomes and strengthen assurance arrangements.

• Analysis and understanding of complex construction contracts. (NEC3/4/ICE Bespoke)

• Performing testing of data and information using smart techniques and tools such as data visualisation and trend / pattern analysis – PowerBI/Tableau

• Production of written findings reports that deliver key findings, recommendations and messages in a succinct and professional manner.

• Review outputs intended for circulation to clients and provide feedback to colleagues, where relevant.

• Fostering good quality working relationships with clients and those being reviewed built around trust and professionalism.

• Engaging with the supply chain to take them on the journey of assurance and encourage collaboration at project/programme level.

• Supporting the assessment of client commercial controls, contract administration, decision making processes and governance structures against contractual requirements and industry best practice.

• Conducting and/or assisting reviews of commercial matters including variations, claims, compensation events, forecasting, risk allocation and commercial performance, contributing to recommendations that strengthen controls and maximise value.

Required Skills:   

Previous experience or a sound and suitable understanding of the following will be a distinct advantage in applying for this role:

• Assurance or audit – in a construction, commercial or accountancy setting

• Construction industry technical matters – such as different procurement routes, disallowed cost areas, target price setting, calculation of pain/gain amounts etc

• Contract Management – NEC3/4 (Option C, E) preferred

• Assessment of accuracy and entitlement to cost

• Change management and forecast control

• Data analysis – ability to review and draw insights from large quantities of data in various formats – PowerBI/Tableau experience preferred

• Report writing – communicating complex messages succinctly to maximise impact in written formats

• People and organisational management – experience of working in a team environment and handling a variable workload through peaks and troughs

• Presentation skills – be a confident speaker who can influence and engage with a multitude of stakeholders

• Professional Scepticism – Can challenge in a professional and constructive way to safeguard the completion of our services, maintaining independence and integrity, ensuring consistent quality.

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a relevant subject

• Holds or working towards an appropriate professional body membership or equivalent (i.e. MRICS, ACA, ACCA, CIMA etc.)