GRAHAM Academy - Graduate Cost Manager 2026

Overview

Assist pre‑construction cost management, preparing estimates and liaising with clients.

Key Responsibilities

• cost estimation
• cost plans
• tender docs
• contract docs
• cost analysis
• risk management

Tasks

Assist with the management of all pre-construction quantity surveying activities. As a Graduate Cost Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our pre-construction operations, supporting the financial planning and commercial management of projects before they break ground. You will be supporting the Cost Management Team on projects, ensuring they are delivered to the right scope of time, quality and budget; on design preparation, reports, and contract documents; and when liaising with Clients and Contractors. Assist the cost management team with the preparation of cost estimates, comprehensive cost plans, and precise tender documents. Conduct cost analysis and risk management Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of costs, contracts, and correspondence -Liaise with clients, contractors, and project teams to ensure accurate cost control -Assist the cost management team with the preparation of cost estimates, comprehensive cost plans, and precise tender documents. -Advise contract terms and preparing documentation for building contracts -Assist in the preparation and review of contract documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with procurement and legal standards -Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of costs, contracts, and correspondence -Preparing feasibility estimates, pre-tender estimates and cost plans. -Assist with the management of all pre-construction quantity surveying activities. -Conduct cost analysis and risk management -Ensure adherence to company policies, industry standards, and relevant legislation

Requirements

• quantity surveying
• excel
• driving licence
• health safety
• problem solving
• commercial awareness

What You Bring

relevant to the position applied for and understanding of why commercial awareness and business acumen are related and how these combine to meet customer needs and GRAHAM business requirements. Leadership skills: Communicates well and shows commitment to work as part of a fully integrated team. Effective Communication skills: Able to adapt communication to audience and create detailed written documents and reports under supervision. Able to maintain and manage communication links with a variety of stakeholders. Presents a professional image and promotes the Brand. Customer Focus: Takes time to question and understand why customer needs are important and wants to forge ongoing sustainable links with customers to act in theirs and the businesses long term interest. Influencing: Identifies and builds relationships with those who will be useful now and in the future in achieving strategic business objectives. Initiative: Is able to work alone to get results in an effective way. Understands and seeks to minimise waste in resources and processes. Adopts and encourages others to adopt new ways of working. Demonstrate ability to eventually work unsupervised. Team Player: Always willing to be involved in other activities to achieve company objectives. Works collaboratively and uses influence to gain resolution of issues. Demonstrates honestly, loyalty and commitment. Negotiation: Willingness to learn and the ability to understand negotiation skills and why these are important for all supply chain members all contractual rights and obligations are realised and protected. Commercial Awareness: relevant to the position applied for and understanding of why commercial awareness and business acumen are related and how these combine to meet customer needs and GRAHAM business requirements. Leadership skills: Communicates well and shows commitment to work as part of a fully integrated team. Effective Communication skills: Able to adapt communication to audience and create detailed written documents and reports under supervision. Able to maintain and manage communication links with a variety of stakeholders. Presents a professional image and promotes the Brand. Customer Focus: Takes time to question and understand why customer needs are important and wants to forge ongoing sustainable links with customers to act in theirs and the businesses long term interest. Influencing: Identifies and builds relationships with those who will be useful now and in the future in achieving strategic business objectives. Initiative: Is able to work alone to get results in an effective way. Understands and seeks to minimise waste in resources and processes. Adopts and encourages others to adopt new ways of working. Demonstrate ability to eventually work unsupervised. Team Player: Always willing to be involved in other activities to achieve company objectives. Works collaboratively and uses influence to gain resolution of issues. Demonstrates honestly, loyalty and commitment. Negotiation: Willingness to learn and the ability to understand negotiation skills and why these are important for all supply chain members all contractual rights and obligations are realised and protected. A basic disclosure may be requested if security clearance is required by 3rd party clients and a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position. Our Access NI/Vetting and Barring Scheme Policy and Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available upon request. Successful candidates are expected to join the company from June 2026 onwards. This applies to those seeking graduate roles, industrial placements, or apprenticeship opportunities. Full UK Driving Licence Ability to work independently or as part of a team. We are only able to consider applications from individuals who are eligible to live and work in the UK, as per Home Office regulations. Please check your eligibility with the regulations before applying, as we may be able to sponsor a work permit on your behalf. Individuals with a current time restricted right to work in the UK, should contact the Human Resources team in the first instance. An appreciation of Health & Safety practices. Previous work experience specifically in the Construction Industry. Able to demonstrate problem solving. -Full UK Driving Licence -Currently studying or recently graduated in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or an equivalent discipline at degree level. · Demonstrate strong communication skills -Demonstrate an understanding of the technology of construction -Ability to work independently or as part of a team. -An appreciation of Health & Safety practices. -Demonstrate an understanding of surveying and a construction business -Previous work experience specifically in the Construction Industry. -Able to demonstrate problem solving. -Competent in use of computer software including Microsoft Excel

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Benefits

We offer a two year programme which focuses on developing your technical and interpersonal skills. In addition, a structured, mentored training programme, aligned to a recognised professional qualification, will set you on the pathway to chartership. Through early responsibility you’ll learn quickly on challenging projects with the opportunity for fast track career advancement. As the GRAHAM business continues to grow, we are excited to offer an opportunity for a Graduate Cost Manager to join our dynamic Pre-Construction team. This is more than just a graduate role, it’s a launchpad for a rewarding career in cost management, where you’ll gain hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and the chance to make a real impact from day one. GRAHAM ROUTES TO BECOMING A COST MANAGER Benefits: Car Allowance; Subsidised Private Medical Cover; Life Assurance Scheme; Living away from home allowance (where appropriate), Contributory Pension, 35 Days annual leave (Including Public Holidays) This role offers a unique opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the commercial lifecycle of construction projects, from early feasibility studies and cost planning to tendering and contract preparation.

About Graham

-From humble beginnings, the company has expanded its operations across the UK and internationally. -Specializes in delivering complex, large-scale projects in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and residential. -Has a proven track record of successfully completing projects in both the public and private sectors. -Known for managing intricate projects with diverse technical requirements. -Focus on quality and innovation in the construction industry.

Sector Specialisms

Visa Sponsorship

-may sponsor a work permit for eligible candidates; applicants must be eligible to live and work in the uk.

Security Clearance

-basic disclosure may be requested for security clearance; a criminal record will not necessarily bar employment.