Graduate BSE Cost Manager - Evolve

Entry-level graduate role in quantity surveying and cost management for building services projects (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing). Work on a range of projects: large residential, industrial, commercial, healthcare, education, and infrastructure schemes.

Your opportunity

Are you aspiring to start your career in the built environment industry?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Graduate Cost Manager (2025/2026 Graduate) to join our experienced and talented team in Reading as part of our Evolve Graduate Programme commencing in October 2026.

At Ridge our people are the foundation of our success, and our greatest asset. Our people are what separate us, they drive our vision and embody our values. We offer not just a job, but a journey. We believe in commitment, and the value of a stable, flexible, long-term career path. We challenge our people to be the best they can be and help them grow with the right development.

Our graduate roles are real, genuine roles in our teams – you will play an important part in providing exceptional service to our clients and be exposed to a lot more client activity than you may be at the bigger consultancies. We want you to take pride in your work and feel valued for your contribution, so you can expect to be getting involved as soon as you are ready to do so. 

Our projects include large residential, industrial, and commercial schemes with contract values over £30 million to smaller schemes and working for interesting clients including motor manufacturers, Schools/Universities, healthcare providers, contractors, developers etc.

As a Graduate Cost Manager, your role will focus on support for building services engineering projects, as follows:

Mechanical – Help calculate costs for HVAC systems, ductwork, and mechanical plant installations. Review mechanical drawings, perform quantity take-offs for items like pipework and ventilation ductwork, and assist in preparing tender documents.

Electrical – Support the pricing of systems such as lighting, power distribution, fire alarms, and data cabling. Interpret electrical schematics, measure cable runs and containment, and request quotes from suppliers.

Plumbing – Assist with the costing of water supply, drainage, and sanitaryware. Interpret plumbing layouts, calculate pipe lengths, fixture quantities, and gather pricing from plumbing merchants.

What do I need to succeed?

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll play an integral part in our team, helping drive our vision, living our values and embracing our culture. So, if your answer is yes to all the following statements, we’d love to hear from you:

• I have or am predicted a 2:1 BSc in Quantity Surveying obtained in 2025 or 2026

• I am available to start work full-time from 5 October 2026

• I have a permanent Right to Work in the UK and do not need visa sponsorship.

• I am curious and eager to learn

• I am passionate about the Built Environment — don’t take this one lightly! We love what we do and the Built Environment plays a vital role in the future of communities and society. It’s important we all share that passion so we can build legacies that last.

How will my career be supported?

Your development is our priority, so you can count on having the right tools, plenty of experience and the professional support you need to succeed. Here’s what you can expect in your first two years:

Professional support

• If you want to take your existing degree on to a Master’s, we can fund that 

• If you already hold an accredited degree for our industry, we have established guidance and a large network of internal ‘chartership champions’ who will support you to gain your professional chartership

Technical learning

• We have a full timetable of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, such as webinars, short courses and masterclasses, to enhance your skills in focused areas

• You’ll be allocated an experienced and knowledgeable mentor to be your trusted advisor throughout your programme

Personal skills

• A tailored development plan will clearly map out opportunities for growth such as strengthening your soft skills and leadership

• You’ll become a STEM ambassador, inspiring future generations of Built Environment professionals, representing us at industry events and sharing your experience to help shape tomorrow's talent

• As a part of our vibrant and supportive Future Talent Community, you’ll connect with fellow graduates and apprentices. There will be opportunities to formally network and build your own personal connections

• Your buddy will have walked the same path as you and is there for any support you may need, offering friendly guidance on your day-to-day experience

Your two-year programme will fly by and is just the beginning. Once complete, you'll dive deeper into your chosen field and take the next exciting steps in your journey at Ridge.

About us

We are Ridge, a Built Environment Consultancy. We help our clients transform the quality and sustainability of the built environment.

Our 1,400+ people bring a vast range of skills, delivering a professional mindset, gritty discipline and a genuine passion to every one of the thousands of projects they undertake each year. They’re the foundation of our success - they drive our vision, embody our values and separate us from the competition.

Come and join us if you’re hungry to be part of an exceptional team - if you put quality first - if you’re motivated by ingenuity and if you’re always aspiring to be the very best.