Associate Director (Cost Management)

Key Responsibilities:

• Pre-Construction & Cost Planning
• Lead the preparation of detailed cost plans, feasibility studies, and budget estimates for developments.
• Provide early-stage cost advice to guide design and planning decisions.

• Quality Assurance
• Manage the procurement process for contractors and suppliers, including tender evaluation and recommendations.
• Negotiate contract terms and ensure robust agreements that mitigate risk and deliver value for money.
• Develop and maintain procurement schedules to align with construction timelines.

• Contract Administration & Commercial Control
• Administer contracts (typically JCT or bespoke residential forms) and ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor project budgets, prepare financial reports, and manage change control processes (variations, claims, etc.).
• Work closely with project managers and site teams to ensure accurate valuation of works and timely payments.

• Project Oversight & Delivery
• Oversee commercial delivery of multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring financial targets are achieved.
• Monitor performance against cost plans, identifying risks and opportunities to improve profitability.
• Ensure accurate and timely project forecasting and reporting to senior leadership and clients.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as the key commercial contact for clients, providing regular updates, forecasts, and strategic cost advice.
• Attend client meetings and provide commercially-driven input on design, procurement, and delivery strategies.
• Manage relationships with funders, developers, and external consultants where required.

Team Leadership & Development

• Foster a collaborative, proactive team culture and ethos
• Manage and mentor junior members of the cost management team, promoting professional development and operational excellence
• Review team outputs for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with internal quality standards.

Business Support & Growth

• Support the Directors with strategic business planning, budgeting, and commercial performance reviews.
• Identify opportunities to add value through innovation, cost efficiencies, or process improvements.
• Contribute to new business development, bids, and client presentations.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to all relevant legislation, company policies, and health & safety regulations.
• Promote sustainability and environmental best practices in cost planning and procurement.

Qualifications:

• Quantity Surveying Degree and full membership of RICS

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience post RICS qualification, in a full-time similar role
• An impressive portfolio of projects you have delivered
• You will have previous experience working on residential projects – highly desirable

Skills:

• Proven track record of cost management services delivery of building projects from feasibility/option studies through to detailed cost planning and post contract services
• Significant experience in a consultancy environment and working on a variety of projects across several different sectors
• A self-starter, who is capable of managing and leading their own work’
• Good knowledge of Value Engineering and Risk Management techniques
• Fully conversant with the principal standard forms of building contracts predominately JCT suite of contracts
• Excellent communication and client facing skills, combined with strong interpersonal and influencing skills
• Ability to generate new business enquiries

Company Benefits:

• Annual performance related bonus
• Private Health Insurance Life Assurance
• Company Group Pension Scheme
• EV and Bike to Work scheme
• 25 days holiday a year + bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Personal learning plan with investment in your development