Director Cost Manager

Overview

As Director in our Midlands Cost Management team, you will lead cost management activities to support client objectives and drive growth. You will manage service delivery, bids, and governance while fostering strong client relationships and mentoring the team. You’ll shape cost strategies, oversee procurement approaches, and ensure projects meet contractual and financial targets. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery in a collaborative, cross-office environment.

Pay / Benefits

• contributory pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible working arrangements

Responsibilities

• Formulate and manage cost management strategies to achieve business objectives
• Identify and pursue new business development opportunities across the Business Unit
• Ensure projects follow Gleeds processes, governance and controls
• Agree fees, scopes of services, and appointments with leadership
• Deliver high-quality cost management services and ensure alignment with client requirements
• Review scope of appointments monthly to confirm service delivery
• Maintain and nurture client relationships and resolve complaints
• Allocate resources and resolve workload conflicts; manage teams and associate directors
• Ensure administrative compliance (appraisals, training, timesheets) and staff development
• Prepare bids for services and manage project profitability and commercial aspects
• Coordinate with other Directors and support the Business Unit Manager/Area Chair
• Drive enhancement of Gleeds cost management capability
• Brief employees on relevant business aspects
• Oversee service delivery, scope, invoices, and debt management

Key requirements

• Extensive cost management experience post MRICS qualification
• Knowledge of cost estimating and cost planning techniques
• Practical knowledge of construction methods, materials, procurement strategies, and contracts administration
• Understanding of legislation impacting building contracts
• Strong motivational, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and adapt to change
• Negotiation, financial and numeracy management skills
• Ability to prepare bids and deliver client-focused service
• Experience interfacing with clients and stakeholders at high level
• Team leadership and resource management abilities
• Specialist knowledge of a sector (Residential, Hotels, Commercial, etc.)
• Proven track record in driving profitable service delivery
• Competence in fee negotiation to meet profit targets

• leadership
• communication (oral and written)
• negotiation
• cost estimating
• cost planning techniques
• construction procurement strategies

…