Cost Planner

London
Permanent

£60,000 - £80,000

Summary

A leading London-based residential developer delivering high-quality, design-led mixed-use and residential schemes across the capital. Projects range from large-scale regeneration developments to high-rise apartment schemes and premium residential buildings.

We are seeking an experienced Cost Planner to join the pre-construction commercial team.

This is a front-end, developer-side role focused on cost planning, viability and budget control from early feasibility through to pre-construction. You will play a key role in ensuring schemes are financially robust and commercially viable before progressing to delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage detailed cost plans at all design stages (concept through to Stage 4).
• Support land appraisals and acquisition processes with cost advice and budget modelling.
• Provide accurate £/sqft benchmarking and cost analysis across residential schemes.
• Review design proposals and advise on cost impact and value engineering opportunities.
• Work closely with Development, Technical, Planning and Commercial teams to ensure schemes remain within approved budgets.
• Assess risk, abnormal costs and infrastructure impacts.
• Support procurement strategy and contractor engagement during pre-construction.
• Maintain cost databases and benchmarking information across projects.

About You

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or similar.
• Experience in residential development (high-rise, RC frame, multi-unit schemes preferred).
• Strong background in pre-construction cost planning or estimating.
• Experience working for a developer, main contractor (pre-construction), or PQS consultancy.
• Commercially astute with a strong understanding of viability and margin protection.
• Comfortable pricing incomplete designs and advising at early stages.
• Strong Excel and cost modelling capability.
• MRICS desirable but not essential.