Principal Consultant – Commercial – Construction and Logistics Jacobs

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Your impact At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Your Impact At Jacobs, we push the limits of what’s possible to make the world smarter, more connected and more sustainable. In our transport work, that means designing innovative solutions to move people and goods safely and efficiently across the globe. From rail systems mobilising accessible transit, to ports linking land and sea – when it comes to connecting the people and places of tomorrow, the future of transport depends on us. Bring your curiosity, talent for multi-tasking, and extreme attention to detail, and we’ll help you grow, pursue and fulfil what drives you – so we can make big impacts on the world, together The Principal Consultant – Commercial owns cost planning including CapEx, OpEx and life-cycle cost (LCC) estimates and comprehensive cost analyses, leads the management of contracts and payment processes, and acts as the recognised day-to-day commercial contact within the Service Line. Applying functional knowledge to complex problems and identifying innovative solutions, the role works independently with guidance only in the most complex situations and is often requested by name by clients, with a strong understanding of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) structures an advantage. What You’ll Do Strategic
Own cost planning — the preparation and review of CapEx, OpEx and LCC estimates ensuring precision and sound whole-life value decisions Drive comprehensive cost analyses and optimisation of value to enhance project efficiency Draw on established cost knowledge and familiarity with regional benchmarks to validate estimates and inform whole-life value decisions Identify and manage risks, developing mitigation strategies to safeguard project success Ensure adherence to contract terms and governance standards, upholding legal and regulatory compliance Direct the development of detailed, accurate reports and documentation giving insight into project financials and performance. Manage change orders, integrating alterations into the project’s financial framework Develop and maintain financial forecasts to guide project planning and budgetary allocations Apply functional knowledge to complex problems, identifying innovative solutions with minimal guidance.
Operational
Lead cost planning — preparing and producing detailed CapEx, OpEx and LCC estimates and benchmark them against regional market rates and reference data Lead the negotiation, drafting and administration of contracts and agreements, ensuring clarity and coherence in deliverables and terms Oversee administration of live contracts, monitoring adherence, managing variations/change orders, and resolving discrepancies or issues Manage payment processes including invoicing, valuations, receivables and payables while ensuring accuracy and timeliness to maintain financial equilibrium Maintain cost databases and benchmarking references, guiding the team’s day-to-day estimating and cost checks Lead commercial and contractual meetings with clients, site teams, Project Controls and Finance Monitor and report commercial and project progress, reviewing cost reports and trackers to a high standard Lead project teams to achieve milestones and objectives, coordinating and supervising direct reports
Clients
Act as the recognised day-to-day client contact within the Service Line, building and maintaining strong client relationships Confidently represent Jacobs in technical and commercial discussions; often requested by name by clients for expertise Present at client pitches and communicate complex technical concepts clearly to varied audiences Manage, communicate, present, justify and influence with clients
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work. Here’s what you’ll need
10+ years of hands-on experience in quantity surveying / cost estimating in construction, across multiple sectors Proven ability to lead cost planning, including CapEx, OpEx and LCC estimates Established cost intelligence, strong command of regional cost benchmarks, market rates and reference data across sectors, and the ability to build and maintain robust co