About the job

Summary

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.

Do you want to help deliver some of Europe’s largest and most transformational infrastructure projects?

Can you effectively build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders?

If so, we'd love to hear from you!

This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your technical analytical skills in a high profile, challenging and impactful environment. You will be working in a specialist, multi-disciplinary and diverse team to deliver critical evidence in support of major investment decisions.

Job description

As a Senior Cost Analyst you will influence the Department’s ambitious portfolio of transport projects, working as an integral part of the Portfolio & Project Delivery Directorate and with wider project teams to ensure that major projects are delivered efficiently and effectively. You will have a central role in the successful delivery of some of Europe’s largest transport infrastructure schemes that present a once-in-generation opportunity to unlock transformational economic benefits for the country.

The work will involve providing cross-cutting technical and analytical support to policy and sponsor teams, boosting cost evidence and DfT’s position as an intelligent client with respect to major transport schemes. It will require senior-level engagement with multiple internal and external stakeholders in various government functions and Arms-Length Bodies (ALBs), including HS2 Ltd., East West Railway Co., National Highways, Network Rail and others.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising project sponsor teams on the efficiency position and robustness of emerging project estimates (e.g. through cost benchmarking, contingency assessments etc.)

• Embedding processes for continuously monitoring and improving the cost and schedule efficiency position of major projects at various life-cycle stages.

• Actively building DfT capability in better understanding the cost implications of project options early in the project lifecycle (including ‘should’ or ‘could’ costs).

• Assuring ALB technical evidence for advice to Government and leading on the drafting of briefings and papers to Ministers, Boards (including the DfT Investment, Portfolio and Delivery Committee) and senior leaders.

For an in-depth insight into the role please refer to the Role Profile.

About You

You will have outstanding analytical and communication skills (both written and verbal), with a proven ability to persuade and influence decisions and future strategies. You will be someone who can think strategically and contribute intellectually. You will be flexible in your approach whilst being able to manage conflicting deadlines and remaining calm under pressure.

You will have a degree in a relevant STEM subject at BEng/BSc level or equivalent.

Qualifications

A degree in a relevant STEM subject at BEng/BSc level or equivalent.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Applying Knowledge
• Interfacing with Policy

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.