Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
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Due to continued growth and recent project successes, we are looking for a Cost Clerk / Administrator to join our Construction Solutions UK Projects team. Based initially on a major highways scheme in Essex, this role will play a key part in supporting the commercial and operational delivery of projects through accurate cost capture, administration and reporting. Working closely with the wider project team, you will help ensure that contracts are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and to the highest standards, while providing excellent support to both internal and external stakeholders.
As Cost Clerk / Administrator, you will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day administration and commercial activities of the project. You will accurately capture and maintain labour, plant, equipment and subcontractor costs, ensuring all information is entered and validated within company systems. You will raise purchase orders, process goods receipts, assist with invoice processing and maintain accurate records to support project reporting, forecasting and cost control.
Working closely with the Commercial Manager, Quantity Surveyor and operational teams, you will provide timely and accurate commercial information, support monthly reporting requirements and assist with cost value reconciliations. You will also manage project documentation, maintain databases and records, support payroll administration, ensure compliance with GDPR and company procedures, and contribute to maintaining excellent customer and stakeholder relationships. Alongside your commercial duties, you will provide general administrative support to the project team and help ensure the smooth running of the site office.
The successful candidate will have previous experience within an administration, cost clerk or commercial support role, ideally within the construction, civil engineering or infrastructure sectors. You will have experience of cost capture, purchase orders, goods receipting, invoice processing and working with financial or commercial reporting systems. Strong IT skills are essential, particularly in Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
You will be highly organised, detail-focused and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication skills and a customer-focused approach are important, as you will regularly interact with colleagues, clients, suppliers and other stakeholders. Most importantly, you will be proactive, adaptable and motivated to contribute to the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism.
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
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A salary between £24,800 and £32,000 (dependent on experience)
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Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
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Life Assurance Scheme, which is x4 basic salary
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25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
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Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
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Family-Friendly Benefits, including Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
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Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
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Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
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Ongoing personal/professional development
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Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. We prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.
