LifeProven is a real estate performance advisory firm.
We help investors, asset managers, developers and owners improve the financial, environmental, operational, human, digital and strategic performance of real estate. We combine strategic advisory, data and intelligence, technical expertise and project delivery at an investment, fund and asset level, integrating the entire value chain as a single source delivery.
Our expanding company is seeking a motivated, commercially focused and detail-oriented Cost Manager (Quantity Surveyor) with approximately 3 years’ industry experience to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity for a Quantity Surveyor looking to develop their career within a progressive property and construction consultancy, working alongside experienced professionals on projects across the UK, Europe and the Middle-East.
You will play an important role in delivering quantity surveying and cost management services, while helping clients make better capital decisions that improve real estate performance.
You will support clients in balancing financial viability with long-term sustainability, asset resilience and operational performance. The role will provide exposure to projects across all RIBA Plan of Work stages, from feasibility and planning through to design, construction and operation. Projects may span a range of sectors including residential, industrial, distribution, life sciences and commercial.
We are looking for someone who combines strong Quantity Surveying fundamentals with commercial curiosity, client confidence and a willingness to take ownership. You should want to understand not only what a project costs, but how capital can be deployed to create better-performing assets.
Location. Canary Wharf Office / Hybrid. Applicant must be within travel distance of London for office-based days (mandated 2-day per week)
Travel. Paid travel to the London office.
Salary. £40,000 - £50,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Holiday. 26-days (3 days taken for Christmas shutdown) + UK Bank Holidays
Reporting to. Senior Project Lead / Associate
A broad range of Quantity Surveying and Cost Management activities across traditionally delivered projects and dedicated ESG-led commissions. You will be expected to manage your own areas of responsibility while working closely with senior team members.
• Preparing and contributing to elemental cost plans and estimates across RIBA Stages 1–4.
• Assisting with Order of Cost Estimates and cost planning in accordance with RICS NRM 1.
• Reviewing drawings, specifications and design information to identify cost implications.
• Developing and maintaining project cost plans as designs develop.
• Carrying out cost checks and benchmarking against relevant market data.
• Identifying cost trends, risks and opportunities and communicating these to the wider project team.
• Analysing design options and advising on their potential cost impact.
• Supporting Value Engineering exercises to improve overall project value, rather than simply reducing cost.
• Monitoring and reporting on the commercial performance of projects.
• Preparing regular cost reports for clients and project teams.
• Monitoring approved budgets, commitments, forecasts and expenditure.
• Maintaining accurate project cost records and reporting against agreed budgets.
• Identifying commercial risks and opportunities and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Supporting the preparation and monitoring of detailed project cashflows.
• Participating in project risk workshops and contributing to cost-related risk assessments.
• Supporting clients and senior colleagues in reviewing and advising on appropriate procurement routes.
• Assisting with the preparation of tender documentation.
• Managing elements of the tender process and responding to contractor queries.
• Analysing tender returns and preparing tender comparison information.
• Assisting in the preparation of tender reports and contractor recommendations.
• Supporting the preparation and review of contract documentation.
• Supporting the commercial management of projects during construction.
• Preparing and reviewing interim valuations.
• Assessing and agreeing variations and change orders.
• Reviewing contractor applications for payment.
• Monitoring project expenditure against approved budgets.
• Reviewing contractor claims and providing commercial assessments.
• Supporting the preparation of reports relating to Extensions of Time (EoT) and associated commercial implications.
• Attending site visits, progress meetings and commercial meetings as required.
• Maintaining effective communication with clients, contractors, consultants and other project stakeholders.
• Supporting the agreement and settlement of Final Accounts.
• Reviewing variations, claims and supporting documentation.
• Assisting in preparing commercial recommendations for clients.
• Ensuring project cost information is accurate and properly documented through to completion.
As part of the LifeProven team, you will also gain exposure to the relationship between cost, sustainability and asset performance.
• Considering the financial implications of ESG and sustainability initiatives within project cost plans.
• Supporting the assessment of capital expenditure associated with sustainability improvements.
• Assisting in evaluating the whole-life cost implications of design and specification choices.
• Supporting clients in understanding the relationship between capital cost, operational performance and long-term asset value.
• Contributing to capital planning, project and asset performance strategies where appropriate.
• Working with LifeProven's wider technical and data teams to integrate commercial considerations into ESG delivery.
• Building positive and professional relationships with clients and project stakeholders.
• Attending client, design and project meetings and contributing to commercial discussions.
• Clearly communicating cost, risk and commercial information.
• Taking responsibility for agreed project deliverables and deadlines.
• Working collaboratively with architects, engineers, project managers, contractors and other consultants.
• Identifying issues proactively and proposing practical solutions.
• Supporting senior colleagues in delivering high-quality advice to clients.
• Continuing to develop technical and commercial Quantity Surveying knowledge.
• Keeping up to date with relevant construction market conditions, legislation, procurement practices and professional standards.
• Developing knowledge of RICS guidance, NRM and relevant forms of construction contract.
• Working towards relevant professional qualifications and/or continuing professional development where applicable.
• Learning from senior colleagues and taking increasing responsibility for project delivery.
We are looking for someone with approximately 3 years' experience in Quantity Surveying, ideally within a consultancy environment.
The successful candidate will ideally have:
• Approximately 3 years' relevant Quantity Surveying experience.
• Experience working on construction or property projects.
• Experience contributing to cost plans, estimates and cost reports.
• Understanding of construction costs, building elements and construction methodologies.
• Experience with tendering and procurement processes.
• Experience assisting with interim valuations, variations and final accounts.
• A working understanding of different procurement routes.
• An understanding of construction contracts and commercial processes.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other standard commercial/project management software.
• Experience working with cost plans, budgets, forecasts and cashflows.
• A relevant degree or professional qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• An interest in how cost, capital investment, sustainability, data and technical performance combine to drive real estate value.
• RICS membership or a desire to work towards MRICS would be advantageous.
We are looking for someone who is:
• Commercially aware and financially astute.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Detail-focused without losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Confident working with numbers and financial information.
• Comfortable communicating with clients and project stakeholders.
• Able to work independently while knowing when to seek support.
• Proactive and willing to take ownership of tasks and deliverables.
• Curious and willing to challenge conventional approaches.
• A strong team player who enjoys working collaboratively.
• Passionate about property, construction and the future of the built environment.
• Interested in how better capital decisions can improve asset performance and create long-term value.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment.
• Positive, reliable and committed to delivering high-quality work.
We are not your vanilla real estate consultancy. We innovate, we host a global podcast, we challenge traditionalists, we win awards, we constantly evolve, we are fast paced, we make documentaries, we are built on trust, our word and a passion for creating and delivering more.
If you want more from your career, if you’re hungry to learn more and do more or seek an inspiring, fast paced environment to push the boundaries of sustainability and real estate delivery - this is a great environment to thrive in.
To make the delivery of ESG aligned assets simple and effective, through a pioneering end-to end consultancy service, to evolve the industry. We are shaping the future through our advice.
An industry that understands their fund / asset performance and has clarity on how to improve on this, to create climate and health resilience. An industry that is pulling in the same direction for similar goals.
We bring energy into every room, meeting, and discussion. We aim to leave people feeling energised, inspired, and positive.
We believe in creating value, and excel by providing more value than others, in all situations.
To achieve great things, we need strong teamwork. We are people of our word, when we say it will be done, it will always be done.
We know who we are and where we are going, consistency and reliability are key.
We love property, we love people, we love the planet; and we combine and harness these passions every day.
We always question convention. We constantly seek a better, more efficient way to drive more impact.