Cost Controller - Defence

Company Description

At Turner & Townsend we’re passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realise their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society.

Every day we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects, in over 110 offices worldwide. As part of our 2025 Vision we are putting Sustainability and Net Zero at the heart of our business.

Our team is dynamic, innovative and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity and the quality we deliver. As a result our people get to enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world.

Job Description

Important: Before applying, due to the sensitive nature of these projects, you must be a SOLE UK National who is able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC). See Security Clearance Section.

Already holding SC Clearance is desirable; however, if you feel you would be a great candidate for this role, please apply.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Cost Controller (Senior Project Controls Engineer Grade) to join our busy and expanding Bristol and South West based Infrastructure‑Defence team.

We are undertaking a range of Controls & Performance duties on several high‑profile Infrastructure Projects/Programmes. Additionally, this role will provide the opportunity to innovate, collaborate and learn from our experienced and award‑winning Cost Control community and wider extensive Controls and Performance Network.

There has never been a more exciting time to build your career with us in the Defence sector.

Key Deliverables

• Working alongside project delivery teams as part of a wider cost control team or independently with reach back support to experienced cost professionals, responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: Tailoring Cost Control approaches to meet the client’s needs and aligning with best practice.
• Promoting the benefits and requirements of Cost Control within the project and programme team.
• Implementing, administering, and maintaining cost control systems and procedures to track project budgets, commitments, expenditures, and forecasts.
• Development of project Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS), align the time phasing of budgets against the Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), to accurately track and control actual costs.
• Map and integrate cost estimates to the Work Breakdown Structure, in order to set the project budget against the correct Work Packages, Planning Packages and Control Accounts.
• Develop and maintain relationships with interfacing disciplines including, but not limited to, Finance, Commercial and Project Managers to ensure alignment of project information.
• Lead the production of accruals to ensure that the Actual Cost of Work Performed is accurately reflected in a timely manner in the cost data.
• Provide advice and assist the development of reporting tracking tools, where required, and generate Cost reports on a regular basis, including analysis of earned value management information.
• Providing Cost information and advice, where required, to the project team to develop status reports, keep management informed on project progress, and to support performance management decision making.
• Training and coaching clients and less experienced team members on cost control processes and practices.

Qualifications

Essential

• Demonstrable Experience in Cost Control is essential.
• Familiarity of different cost performance reporting and cost forecasting techniques.
• Experience leading Cost Control Assurance activities as part of project performance cadence.
• A detailed understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM), progress reporting, forecasting and performance reporting and analysis.
• Practical experience of using MS Excel and other MS applications.
• Familiarity with at least one Cost Control tool is desirable.
• An understanding of how other aspects of Project Controls (Scheduling, Risk Management, Reporting, Change Control) interact with Cost Control is desirable.
• Familiarity with NEC contracts is desirable.
• The ability to travel to client sites across the region as required.

Security Clearance

Important: Before applying, due to the sensitive nature of these projects, you must be a SOLE UK National who is able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC).

Many of the clients and projects we support are subject to MoD security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (

Additional Information

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work‑life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Please find out more about us at

SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Working in Teams / Site Attendance

Turner & Townsend recognises the importance of helping its employees harmonise their work and home life by offering hybrid working, that enable them to balance their working life with other priorities. At the same time T&T recognises that employee office and site attendance must always remain in line with the demands of the business and clients. Currently, we anticipate you being on client sites or Turner & Townsend offices 60% of your time, but this may flex depending on client and business requirements. The office is not the only place work gets done, but it is increasingly important for teams to be stronger together by learning, collaborating, and creating amazing work together.

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