2026 Graduate Programme - Graduate Cost Manager (Lexica)

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We are recruiting for a Graduate Cost Manager for our Oxfordshire Lexica team. Lexica is a leading specialist consultancy, transforming environments for clients in health and life sciences. From June 2025 Lexica is a member of WSP (UK) Ltd and will be fully integrated into the organisation by January 2026.

We are helping organisations to become more efficient and effective in the core sectors that we work in; whether improving patient pathways for the NHS, developing laboratories to facilitate world-leading science, or rationalising educational campuses to attract the highest calibre students and research investment. Our clients tell us that we are different from other consultancies. They know that we have a wide range of skills across the business that gives us a competitive edge over other organisations. By joining Lexica, you will be part of the journey with our clients and colleagues.

A little bit more about your role and the team…

As a Graduate Cost Manager, you will support the delivery of projects across the health and life sciences sectors and be part of a progressive team responsible for providing full cost management services from initial feasibility through to completion on complex refurbishments ad new-build schemes. You will help to deliver robust cost plans, support procurement and tendering, administration of contracts, and ensuring strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle. You will work closely with NHS Trust, science clients, and design teams.

Day-to-day activities could include:

• Assisting in the cost management of projects through the entire project lifecycle.

• Assisting with the preparation of estimates, cost modules and cost plans.

• Assisting with the preparation of pricing schedules, tender and contract documentation.

• Undertaking monthly assessments for payment.

• Construction phase cost management including attending site meetings, negotiating and agreeing variations with the contractor and preparing the monthly cost report to the client

• Assisting with cost reports, presenting to stakeholders, and supporting the preparation of business cases for public funding approval

You will join an enthusiastic and supportive team, providing you with a challenging and fulfilling career. In this team, you will be dealing with internal and external stakeholders, collaborating with colleagues and adapting to evolving project environments.

Graduate Development Programme

Our two-year Graduate Development programme is designed to support personal and professional development and growth through an engaging blended learning experience. The programmes include core business and professional skills training, career development workshops and resources, valuable networking opportunities, mentoring for professional registration and a breadth of on-the-job experience.

Our teams are dedicated to supporting your career growth from the very beginning. We encourage you to achieve chartered status making your development is a priority. You will be fully supported through enrolment in a professional institution’s training agreement, guiding you towards chartered or incorporated status.

What will we be looking for you to demonstrate:

You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s or bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying / Commercial Management.

• Candidates must complete the application form in full answering all specific questions. This requirement applies to all candidates, inclusive of their background. Successful completion of this stage is mandatory. Candidates who pass this initial stage, will then be required to complete an online skill enabler assessment. Both the application form and the skill enabler assessment are essential parts of the early career’s recruitment process.

• You'll be looking to start work in January 2026.

• You’ll have a desire to develop your career and become chartered.

• You’ll have an understanding of project controls and financial management, importance of maintaining accurate reporting across all project stages and ensuring compliance with client funding requirements and audit standards.

• You’ll have a commercial awareness, be a logic thinker, who works efficiently and accurately.

• You’ll have an enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems.

• You’ll want to inspire us, sharing new ideas you have.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our positions, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities we have available for our Graduate programme.

We review applications for our Early Career opportunities on a rolling basis, which means we begin progressing some candidates to the final stages before the application closing date. To ensure your application receives full consideration, we recommend submitting it as early as possible.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.