Principal Cost Specialist

Review: Principal Cost Specialist - Shape the Future of Defence Engineering

This opportunity for a Principal Cost Specialist at Babcock International presents a compelling career prospect for seasoned professionals looking to make a significant impact within the defence sector. Based in Plymouth, Devon, with attractive hybrid working arrangements, this role offers a competitive salary range of £62,000 - £70,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

At its core, this position is about driving financial insight and efficiency within complex, large-scale submarine programmes. If you are an individual who thrives on leveraging your cost engineering expertise to influence commercial outcomes and ensure strategic decision-making, this role is designed for you.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• High-Impact Leadership: As a Principal Cost Specialist, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of defence engineering. This is a leadership role where your insights will directly contribute to the success of critical projects.
• Career Development: The description explicitly highlights opportunities for personal career development and growth, suggesting a supportive environment for professional advancement.
• Hybrid Working Flexibility: The inclusion of hybrid working arrangements demonstrates a modern approach to work-life balance, offering a blend of office-based collaboration and remote work flexibility.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Babcock offers an attractive array of benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, matched pension contributions with life assurance, access to digital health services, an employee share scheme, and a shopping savings portal. The availability of holiday trading and a "Be Kind Day" further underscores a commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life integration.
• Professional Growth: The emphasis on mentoring cost professionals, driving improvements in cost maturity, and contributing to lessons learned indicates a culture that values continuous learning and development within the cost control domain.
• Industry Significance: Working on defence programmes offers the chance to contribute to national security and stability, a deeply rewarding aspect for many professionals.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Security Clearance: A significant requirement for this role is the ability to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) clearance. Candidates should be aware of the national security clearance process and its potential impact based on nationality and residency.
• Complex Project Environment: The role operates within complex project environments, demanding a proven ability to manage cost performance across large-scale initiatives. Candidates should have demonstrable experience in this area.
• Professional Qualifications: Essential qualifications include a professional qualification in cost or project controls (e.g., ACostE, AACE, or equivalent), and ideally PMQ or CHPP Chartered Project Professional status.
• Mentorship and Teamwork: Beyond technical expertise, the role involves leading and mentoring cost professionals and working within matrixed organisations. Strong leadership and collaboration skills are crucial.
• Analytical and Communication Skills: The ability to provide expert cost analysis, communicate findings effectively, and engage with diverse stakeholders is paramount to success in this position.

In summary, the Principal Cost Specialist role at Babcock International is an exceptional opportunity for experienced cost professionals seeking a challenging, impactful, and rewarding career within a vital industry. The combination of strategic influence, professional development, and excellent benefits makes this a highly attractive proposition for the right candidate.