Assistant Consultant - Cost Intelligence & Estimating, Project Management and Commercial Management

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.