Cost Control Lead

Location Derby
Discipline: Infrastructure and Civils
Job type: Permanent
Salary: £70000 - £80000 per annum
Contact name: Roger Mills

Contact email: rmills@monroe-international.com
Job ref: BH-2239
Published: 6 days ago
Startdate: 2026-07-06
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Cost Controller to join a high-profile defence programme within a growing and innovative project services organisation. The role pays up to £80,000 + benefits, is hybrid with site-based work in Derby, and occasional head office visits in Manchester.

The Role

As Lead Cost Controller, you will take ownership of programme-wide cost management, ensuring robust financial governance, accurate forecasting, effective budget control, and high-quality reporting. Working alongside senior stakeholders across finance, commercial, procurement, planning, and project delivery teams, you will provide critical financial insight to support strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead all cost control activities across a complex programme environment.
  • Manage budgets, forecasts, and cost performance against approved baselines.
  • Support governance reviews, assurance activities, and investment decisions.
  • Oversee change control cost assessments and contingency management.
  • Ensure compliance with financial policies, standards, and audit requirements.
  • Mentor and support cost control teams while providing expert financial guidance to stakeholders.

About You

You will bring:
  • Experience in a senior or lead cost control position on large, complex programmes.
  • Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, earned value/cost performance analysis, and financial reporting.
  • Experience working within structured governance and assurance frameworks.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • The ability to influence senior decision-makers with clear financial insight.

Desirable Experience
  • Multi-phase or tranche-based programme delivery.
  • Change control, risk management, and contingency governance.
  • Enterprise cost management or financial systems.
  • Professional qualification such as ACostE, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent.

What's On Offer?
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunity to work on a nationally significant defence programme.
  • Strong career development and progression opportunities.
  • Collaborative and supportive working environment.
  • Exposure to complex, high-value engineering and infrastructure projects.

Apply today !!