Cost Planner - #2081623

Cost Planner

Commercial Services

Transport & Infrastructure – Rail

Leeds

The Opportunity

Here at CPC we are seeking an experienced Cost Planner to join a major rail infrastructure programme based in Leeds.

This is far more than a traditional estimating role. It’s a strategic, client-facing cost planning position embedded within a live, high-value delivery environment, working under an NEC contract framework on complex infrastructure works.

You will play a key role in shaping commercial outcomes across major work packages — providing cost intelligence, forecasting, and pricing input that directly influences how the programme is delivered.

This is a role for someone who wants to be close to the action, not on the side lines — helping drive commercial strategy on one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure programmes.

About CPC Project Services

Small enough to deliver, big enough to care

At CPC Project Services, we’re an award-winning, independent Project Management and Cost Consultancy with over 36 years’ experience delivering high-quality infrastructure, property and transformational change projects across the UK.

We became employee-owned in 2024, placing our people firmly at the heart of the business. That means a culture built on ownership, pride, and genuine influence, where you are empowered to shape both the work you deliver and the direction of the company.

We are currently on a clear growth journey towards £100m turnover by 2033, making this a genuinely exciting time to join our expanding Commercial Services team.

Our Commercial Services function works across a diverse portfolio of flagship programmes in Rail, Aviation, Highways and Local Authority sectors, giving you exposure to some of the most high-profile and technically complex infrastructure projects in the UK.

This is a chance to join a growing team where your work will directly contribute to nationally significant infrastructure outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support cost planning activities across major rail infrastructure work packages
• Develop, maintain and interrogate robust cost estimates, forecasts and cost plans across the project lifecycle
• Support pricing strategy and commercial decision-making within an NEC contract environment
• Contribute to risk, value and change management processes
• Work closely with delivery teams, engineers, and commercial stakeholders
• Provide cost assurance, benchmarking and challenge to support governance and approvals
• Support forecasting cycles, reporting and wider commercial controls
• Ensure alignment between cost planning, programme delivery and project controls

About You

We are looking for someone with strong infrastructure experience who is confident operating in a complex, delivery-focused environment.

• Strong experience in estimating
• Background in rail, civils or major infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of NEC contracts
• Comfortable working in a consultancy or client-side environment
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability
• Able to engage confidently with multiple stakeholders on live programmes
• Proactive, detail-driven, and comfortable influencing commercial decisions

Location & Working Pattern

• Based in Leeds (short walk from the station)
• Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office (Tuesday–Thursday)
• Collaborative, programme-led environment with long-term project stability

Why CPC?

At CPC Project Services, we offer more than just a competitive salary — we provide a benefits package that supports you both at work and beyond. Highlights include:

• Private healthcare for you and your family (including dental and optical)
• Private pension scheme
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Travel insurance (including winter sports) for you, your partner, and dependants
• Support with professional memberships and ongoing training

We also believe great work deserves recognition. That’s why we offer a personal performance bonus and annual salary reviews, ensuring your contribution is recognised as we achieve our goals together.

Diversity & Inclusion

CPC is an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing an inclusive environment for professional growth and development.

Polite Notice to Recruitment Agencies

We are not seeking external recruitment support at this time. Speculative CVs will not be considered.

Next Steps

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact on major rail and infrastructure projects while further developing your career within a growing, people-focused consultancy, we’d love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV or reach out for a confidential discussion.