Associate Director – Cost Consultancy – Cities & Places

Overview

As Lead Associate Director in the Cities and Places sector, you drive end-to-end cost management for large, complex commissions across private and public clients. You lead a cost team, ensure value-driven outcomes, and forge strong client relationships to unlock opportunities. You’ll balance safety, sustainability, and quality while shaping projects from homes to major programmes. This role offers impact across diverse sectors and the chance to contribute to net-zero ambitions and ethical delivery.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end cost management leadership for large, complex commissions
• Provide cost planning, estimating and management leadership
• Drive procurement strategies from prequalification to award
• Deliver client-focused outcomes and meet project objectives
• Mentor and develop cost teams, fostering innovation and excellence
• Drive new business and strengthen client relationships
• Champion safety, quality, sustainability and wellbeing across projects

Key requirements

• Degree in quantity surveying/cost management (or equivalent)
• MRICS/RICS membership or equivalent progress towards fellowship
• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Knowledge of value engineering, life cycle costing, and contract frameworks
• Experience leading large, diverse teams
• Experience managing senior stakeholders
• Knowledge of carbon and sustainability considerations in projects

• Leadership
• Stakeholder management
• Strategic thinking
• Cost planning and estimating
• Cost management leadership
• Value engineering

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