Cost Manager (Estates)

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is seeking an experienced Cost Manager to join our Estate Development & Planning team, where you’ll play an essential role in ensuring the financial delivery of Estates projects across our campuses. This position is integral to The RCA’s mission to create a world-class, student-centred environment that supports transformative teaching, learning, and research.

Purpose of the Role

As a Cost Manager, you’ll bring your commercial expertise to manage budgets, contracts, and financial planning across diverse Estates projects. Working closely with Project, Space, and Building Services Managers, you will ensure financial integrity and sustainability in projects, delivering them within budget, on time, and exceeding stakeholder expectations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning
   • Contribute financial insights and forecasts to long-term estate management planning.
   • Integrate cost-effective sustainability initiatives into financial planning.
2. Budgeting and Financial Planning
   • Develop and manage budgets for estate projects including construction, maintenance, and renovations.
   • Prepare business cases and project briefs to secure funding from internal and external sources.
   • Allocate resources and forecast cash flow requirements.
3. Project Financial Management
   • Oversee financial aspects of contracts with vendors and suppliers.
   • Ensure compliance with financial regulations and RCA policies.
   • Identify financial risks and implement mitigation strategies.
4. Tendering and Contract Management
   • Develop procurement strategies aligned with RCA’s goals.
   • Manage the tendering process and incorporate sustainability and EDI criteria in procurement decisions.
   • Negotiate contract terms with suppliers to secure the best value for money.
5. Cost Control and Management
   • Monitor expenditures against budgets, providing reports on financial status and variances.
   • Prepare and present financial reports to College management.
   • Conduct audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations.
6. Stakeholder Management
   • Collaborate with College departments, such as finance and procurement, to align financial goals.
   • Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including suppliers and contractors.

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant degree or Level 6 professional qualification.
• Extensive experience managing large budgets, including capital and revenue expenditures.
• Proven ability to prepare Business Cases and Project Briefs for large building projects.
• Experience with NEC and/or JCT contracts.
• Strong relationship-building skills and experience working with senior teams and external stakeholders.
• Successful track record in delivering large, high-profile building projects.

Our Values

At The RCA, we seek candidates who embody our values of Integrity, Curiosity, Inclusion, and Collaboration to support the College’s mission.

Additional Requirements: You will benefit from hybrid working (minimum 3 days per week on site) although flexibility will be required when necessary, with occasional evening and weekend work to support College events.

If you’re ready to bring your expertise in cost management to a world-leading institution and contribute to creating an exceptional environment for RCA’s students and staff, we would love to hear from you.

Applications close at 11.59pm on 16 December 2024

Interview are likely to be held early January 2025

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):