Associate Director - Cost Manager

OVERVIEW

A brand-new and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Associate Director – Cost Manager to join our client – an innovative and fast-growing construction consultancy based in Nottingham.

This senior leadership role is ideal for an experienced cost professional looking to step into strategic responsibility, lead a high-performing team, and help shape the ongoing growth of the Nottingham office. You will work across a wide-ranging portfolio including retail banking, education, higher education, real estate, and major commercial clients, while enjoying excellent autonomy, progression potential, and a comprehensive benefits package.

CLIENT

Our client is a dynamic multi-disciplinary construction consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality cost management services across the built environment.

They operate with a collaborative culture, strong technical standards, and a focus on developing and empowering their people. Due to continued growth and increased project demand across the Midlands region, the business is seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Associate Director – Cost Manager to lead, inspire, and grow the Cost Management function in Nottingham.

While sector experience is flexible, candidates should have a strong consultancy background and proven leadership capability.

ROLE

As an Associate Director, you will hold a key leadership position within the Nottingham team, responsible for:

Leading the delivery of cost management services across a diverse, high-value project portfolio
Driving commercial performance, quality, and client satisfaction
Managing, mentoring, and developing a growing team of Cost Managers and Senior Cost Managers
Supporting strategic business planning and operational management
Building and strengthening client relationships, expanding existing accounts, and identifying new opportunities
Supporting and leading work-winning activity, including bids, proposals, and networking
Ensuring technical excellence, compliance with RICS standards, and best practice procedures
RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities include:

Overseeing the preparation of cost plans, estimates, and feasibility studies
Leading pre- and post-contract cost management services across complex projects
Managing procurement strategies, tender processes, and contract negotiations
Ensuring robust commercial reporting, forecasting, and financial governance
Providing high-level contractual and commercial advice to clients and stakeholders
Leading risk, value, and change management processes
Developing and mentoring junior team members, conducting performance reviews, and supporting career development
Identifying, securing, and converting new business opportunities through networking, relationship-building, and proposal development
Representing the business at industry events and strengthening the company’s presence in the regional market
PERSON

To succeed in this role, you should ideally bring:

Significant Cost Management / Quantity Surveying experience within a consultancy environment
Full MRICS qualification
Experience delivering and leading major projects across multiple sectors
Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills
A proven track record of client management and work-winning
High-level commercial and contractual expertise
Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills
The ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on when required
Broad sector experience – or an openness to managing diverse project types
A balanced professional background
REMUNERATION

In return, our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

Competitive salary aligned to Associate Director level
Car allowance
Bonus scheme
Healthcare and medical insurance
Life assurance
25 days’ holiday + bank holidays
Pension scheme
Professional membership support and leadership development
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
A friendly, ambitious, and collaborative team culture
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