Graduate, Cost Manager

Lexica; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in health and life sciences is seeking a Graduate Cost Manager to support project delivery in the UK. You will assist in cost management, prepare estimates and reports, and collaborate with NHS and design teams. The role requires a degree in Quantity Surveying or related fields and offers opportunities for career development including becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. Join a dynamic team that values professionalism and collaboration.

Benefits

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Supportive and inclusive work environment

Agile work culture

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in Quantity Surveying or related field.
• A desire to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.
• Understanding of project controls and financial management.

Responsibilities

• Assist in cost management of projects throughout their lifecycle.
• Prepare estimates, cost plans, and pricing schedules.
• Manage construction phase costs and prepare monthly cost reports.

Skills

Cost management

Communication

Commercial awareness

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management

Job description

Lexica is a leading specialist consultancy, transforming environments for clients in health and life sciences. From June 2025 Lexica is a member of WSP (UK) Ltd and will be fully integrated into the organisation by Jan 2026.

We are helping organisations to become more efficient and effective in the core sectors that we work in; whether improving patient pathways for the NHS, developing laboratories to facilitate world‑leading science, or rationalising educational campuses to attract the highest calibre students and research investment. Our clients tell us that we are different from other consultancies. They know that we have a wide range of skills across the business that gives us a competitive edge over other organisations. By joining Lexica, you will be part of the journey with our clients and colleagues. Job summary As a Graduate Cost Manager, you will support the delivery of projects across the health and life sciences sectors and be part of a dynamic team responsible for providing full cost management services from initial feasibility through to completion on complex refurbishments ad new‑build schemes. You will help to deliver robust cost plans, support procurement and tendering, administration of contracts, and ensuring strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle. You will work closely with NHS Trust, science clients, and design teams.

What we expect from you

• Assist in the cost management of projects through the entire project lifecycle
• Assist in preparation of estimates, cost modules and cost plans
• Assist with the reparation of pricing schedules, tender and contract documentation
• Undertake monthly assessments for payment
• Construction phase cost management including attending site meetings, negotiating and agreeing variations with the contractor and preparing the monthly cost report to the client
• Assist with cost reports, presenting to stakeholders, and supporting the preparation of business cases for public funding approval

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in Quantity Surveying/ Commercial Management
• A desire to develop your career and become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor
• Understanding of project controls and financial management, importance of maintaining accurate reporting across all project stages and ensuring compliance with client funding requirements and audit standards
• Strong communication, ability to perform client‑facing duties and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
• Commercial awareness, a logic thinker, who works efficiently and accurately to high standards

What makes Lexica a great place to work

At Lexica, you'll work in a supportive and inclusive work environment, with access to ongoing learning and development opportunities. If you share our commitment to Professionalism, Innovation, Knowledge and Collaboration, joining Lexica is the way to make a real difference. We work in an agile and inclusive environment bringing our expertise to each project. We are at our best when we work together to help others and have supported many local and national charities over the years. You will be joining an ideas‑driven culture that embraces new perspectives to solve complex problems.