Associate Director – Cost Management

Overview

As Associate Director you will lead end-to-end cost management on a Birmingham-based infrastructure project, acting as the primary client interface and delivering value-added cost services. You’ll oversee feasibility, cost planning, procurement, post-contract cost control, and final accounts, while guiding a cost management team and pursuing new business opportunities. The role spans renewables and major infrastructure sectors, aligning with our mission to enable high-impact projects. This is an opportunity to shape cost strategy across a large programme and collaborate with cross-functional experts.

Responsibilities

• Lead commission management and end-to-end cost service delivery
• Manage feasibility studies and procurement reporting
• Oversee cost planning, estimating and final cost plan ownership
• Steer procurement processes across stages (pre-qualification, enquiry, analysis, selection, contracts)
• Ensure post-contract cost variances and change control are effectively managed
• Produce and present monthly post-contract cost reports
• Lead value engineering and lifecycle costing initiatives
• Negotiate and settle final accounts
• Interface with client and other consultants across project stages
• Potentially lead a cost management team and develop new business with existing/new clients
• Identify improvements to cost management procedures, templates, and products
• Participate in staff management and recruitment activities
• Contribute to knowledge management and best practices

Key requirements

• Proven cost/commercial management experience
• NEC3 contracts experience (Option C – Target Cost)
• Post-contract administration experience
• Experience on major programmes and infrastructure projects (rail, aviation, power, highways)
• Experience in leading and managing teams
• MRICS (preferred)

• Client-facing communication
• Leadership and people management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Cost planning and estimating
• Procurement management
• Change control and cost variances

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