Associate Director – Cost Management – Water/Utilities

Overview

In this role you will lead end-to-end cost management delivery on major infrastructure commissions from a London base. You will act as the primary client interface, ensuring objectives are met through value-driven cost management and robust governance. You’ll oversee cost planning, procurement, post-contract reporting, and change control, shaping outcomes across the project lifecycle. The opportunity combines leadership, client collaboration, and performance-focused delivery to support transformative infrastructure programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end commission management for large/complex projects
• Manage cost planning, estimating and final cost presentation
• Oversee procurement processes including pre-qualification, enquiry, and contract prep
• Ensure post-contract cost variances, change control, cost checking, and valuation are effectively managed
• Produce monthly post-contract cost reports and present to client
• Lead value engineering and lifecycle costing activities
• Negotiate and settle final accounts
• Interface with client and other consultants across all project stages
• Guide and develop a cost management team (where appropriate)
• Develop new business opportunities and contribute to bids for future work
• Identify opportunities to improve cost management procedures, templates and products
• Staff management and input into resource planning and staff appraisals
• Contribute to knowledge management within the team

Key requirements

• Proven cost/commercial management experience
• NEC3 contracts experience, especially Option C – Target Cost
• Post-contract administration experience
• Experience on major programmes and infrastructure projects
• Experience in leading and managing teams
• Experience in rail, aviation, water/utilities, or highways infrastructure
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills

• Leadership
• Stakeholder management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Value management
• Cost planning and estimating
• Procurement management

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