Assistant Consultant - Cost Intelligence & Estimating - PMCM

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

WSP is one of the world's leading engineering and environmental professional services firms providing technical consultancy to the built and natural environment. We believe that for societies to thrive, we must all hold ourselves accountable for tomorrow. For us, that means creating innovative solutions to the challenges the future will bring to the communities and environments where we live and work across the UK.

We are locally dedicated and propelled by international brainpower. We are technical experts and strategic advisors, including engineers, technicians, scientists, planners, surveyors, geo-science and environmental specialists, as well as other design, programme and construction management professionals. Our experts influence and design sustainable lasting solutions in the property & buildings, transportation & infrastructure, earth & environment, industry and power & energy sectors as well as project delivery and strategic consulting services.

A Little More About Your Role…

As an Assistant Consultant within our Cost Intelligence and Estimating team, you will support and, where appropriate, lead defined elements of estimating, cost planning, benchmarking and commercial insight commissions for major programmes and projects across infrastructure and the built environment.

You will be involved in a wide range of work, from preparing and reviewing cost estimates and cost plans, through to analysing tender information, benchmarking project costs, supporting procurement activity and helping project teams make informed commercial decisions. You will apply core estimating and quantity surveying principles with growing independence, while using data, digital tools and cost intelligence to improve accuracy, transparency and client confidence.

You will work closely with senior colleagues, who will provide guidance and review, while expecting you to manage your own tasks, contribute to deliverables, identify issues early and communicate clearly with project teams. You will be encouraged to develop your judgement, take increasing ownership of outputs and build positive working relationships with colleagues and clients.

This role offers the chance to work on complex and varied commissions across sectors such as transport, water, energy, public realm and the wider built environment. Depending on project needs, you can expect opportunities to visit sites, client offices and other WSP locations, giving you exposure to different teams, places and ways of working.

We are particularly interested in people who are curious about the future of cost management. Estimating and quantity surveying is a core capability, but if you are interested in digital tools, data, analytics, benchmarking or visual reporting, we will help you develop those skills as part of a growing cost intelligence capability.

YOUR TEAM

You will join our Cost Intelligence and Estimating team of quantity surveyors, estimators and cost intelligence specialists who provide estimating, benchmarking and commercial insight across major infrastructure markets.

You will be part of our Project Management and Commercial Management Team (PMCM), made up of approximately 500 colleagues across the UK. This team provides Quantity Surveying, Cost and Commercial Management, Programme and Project Management, and Project Controls services across building and infrastructure projects for public and private sector clients.

You will sit within our Civil Infrastructure and Utilities group, working with colleagues across complementary disciplines and drawing on the strength of WSP’s wider UK and global networks. You will have access to experienced estimators, quantity surveyors, commercial managers and digital specialists who can support your learning and help you build a strong foundation for your career.

At WSP, you will get to work on iconic programmes and projects, learn from people with deep industry experience, and develop within a global company with international offices, technical networks and opportunities to collaborate across teams and sectors.

What You’ll Get From The Role

At Assistant Consultant level, you will have the opportunity to:

• Develop your estimating, quantity surveying and commercial management skills while taking responsibility for defined tasks and work packages on real projects.
• Work across a variety of sectors, clients and project stages, from early optioneering through to procurement and delivery.
• Learn from experienced cost consultants, estimators and commercial specialists.
• Build confidence applying industry methods, cost data, benchmarks and digital tools to produce clear, evidence-based outputs.
• Contribute to a growing cost intelligence capability that is changing how cost information is captured, analysed and used.
• Receive support for professional development, including routes towards RICS, CICES or other relevant professional recognition.
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative team where you can ask questions, share ideas, support junior colleagues where appropriate and develop at pace.
• Gain exposure to different project environments, with potential travel to sites, client offices and WSP locations where appropriate.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU HAVE

• A qualification, apprenticeship background or relevant professional experience in quantity surveying, estimating, construction cost management, commercial management or a related discipline.
• Experience preparing, supporting or reviewing cost estimates, cost plans, bills of quantities, tender information, valuations, change assessments or commercial reports.
• An interest in infrastructure, construction and the built environment.
• The confidence to work with increasing independence, while remaining collaborative, open to feedback and aligned with agreed project processes.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and a willingness to understand the story behind the numbers.
• Good communication skills, including the ability to explain cost information clearly and work effectively with colleagues, project teams and clients.
• A proactive approach to learning, feedback and personal development.
• The ability to manage tasks, meet deadlines, prioritise workload and know when to seek guidance or escalation.
• A positive team mindset, with enthusiasm for contributing to successful project outcomes.
• An interest in building a long-term career in estimating, quantity surveying, cost consultancy or cost intelligence.

And while not essential, we’d be excited if you:

• Are working towards, or would like to work towards, professional recognition such as RICS, CICES or ACostE.
• Have experience in infrastructure sectors such as transport, water, energy, utilities, public realm, aviation, rail or highways.
• Have used, or would like to learn, specialist estimating or commercial tools such as CostX, CEMAR or similar platforms.
• Have an interest in data, analytics, benchmarking, Power BI, Excel, automation or digital reporting.
• Enjoy working in fast-paced project environments where priorities can change and there is always something new to learn.
• Are open to travel where project work benefits from time on site, with clients or with colleagues in other offices.
• Want to contribute ideas that improve how teams work, capture knowledge and deliver better outcomes for clients.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.