Cost Assurance LeadLocation: Hybrid Working with occasional travel to Birmingham or other sites when required. Contract Duration: 6 Months (with potential extension) Day Rate: 600- 700 per dayOur client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Cost Assurance Lead to join their team and play a pivotal role in delivering commercial assurance, cost optimisation, and analytical challenge across major capital infrastructure programmes. This position is ideal for a professional with a keen eye for detail and a passion for ensuring value for money while fostering contractor accountability.Key Responsibilities:Lead cost optimisation and commercial assurance activities across significant contracts and programmes, ensuring efficient delivery outcomes.Provide independent challenges to contractor estimates, budget costs, and final account positions, utilising benchmarking, historical data, and should-cost modelling techniques.Support contract award recommendations by thoroughly evaluating contractor submissions and ensuring all costs are justified with robust evidence.Assess construction methodologies and delivery strategies to understand their impact on cost, programme duration, and risk.Apply commercial and contractual principles to support negotiations and discussions on cost substantiation and risk allocation.Develop and maintain benchmarking and assurance models to enhance commercial decision-making and identify efficiency opportunities.Produce clear, evidence-based reports and ..... full job details .....