Associate Director - Commercial

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Associate Director – Quantum to join a market-leading construction disputes consultancy in their Leeds office.
This role offers a clear platform for a motivated quantum specialist, already known within the construction and disputes market in Leeds or the wider Yorkshire region, to further their career by helping to grow and lead a highly successful quantum business unit.
You will work closely with a well-established team of disputes, commercial and planning professionals, delivering high quality quantum services to a broad client base and playing a key role in business development and client relationship management across the North of England.

Project Details

This long-established multidisciplinary construction disputes consultancy is expanding its operations in Leeds and the wider North & Scotland region.
They provide a full range of commercial management, planning, dispute resolution and expert witness services to the construction, engineering and outsourcing industries. Typical projects include major civil engineering, highways and rail schemes, building projects, energy and utilities infrastructure, and complex PFI / PPP and outsourcing contracts.
As Associate Director – Quantum, you will work with a variety of clients including government bodies, private sector clients, Tier 1 and regional contractors, specialist subcontractors and consultants, across a wide range of construction and engineering sectors.

Responsibilities and Duties

As an Associate Director within a leading multidisciplinary disputes consultancy, typical responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking the forensic analysis of tender, contract and claims documentation
• Independently preparing quantum claims for loss and expense, variations and prolongation
• Preparing, assessing and interrogating construction costs, including detailed quantum assessments on major disputes
• Independently preparing adjudication documentation and supporting arbitration and litigation processes
• Assisting in preparing, or taking a lead in preparing, expert witness reports and associated documentation
• Drafting high quality written reports that set out methodology, quantum findings, conclusions and recommendations in a clear and persuasive manner
• Administering and advising on standard forms of contract including JCT, NEC and FIDIC
• Providing strategic commercial and contractual advice at all stages of the construction project life cycle
• Mentoring and supporting more junior staff within the quantum and disputes team
• Contributing to internal knowledge sharing, training and best practice initiatives
• Developing and expanding business opportunities by leveraging your existing network and actively building new client relationships across the region
• Taking a lead role in developing the Leeds-based quantum offering and contributing to wider strategic business plans

Desired Skills and Experience

Suitable candidates for the Associate Director – Quantum role are likely to demonstrate:

• Around 10 years’ post-graduate experience with substantial exposure to construction and engineering disputes
• Strong track record in commercial management and quantum analysis on major construction and engineering projects
• In-depth knowledge of dispute resolution procedures and the principles of contract and construction law
• Proven experience of preparing, defending and negotiating quantum claims, including loss and expense and disruption claims
• Hands-on experience of preparing adjudication documentation and supporting other dispute resolution forums (e.g. mediation, arbitration, litigation)
• Experience of preparing, or assisting in preparing, expert witness reports for quantum matters
• High level of numeracy and strong proficiency in interrogating, analysing and presenting construction costs
• Ability to operate and advise on standard forms of contract including JCT, NEC and FIDIC
• Exceptional written and spoken communication skills in English, with the ability to present complex issues clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong client-facing skills and confidence in leading meetings, presentations and negotiations
• A proactive, commercially minded approach and the ability to work both autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

Ideal Associate Director – Quantum candidates will:

• Hold a relevant degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Commercial Management, Law or a related discipline
• Be MRICS qualified (or hold an equivalent professional qualification) or be very close to achieving this
• Have achieved, or be working towards, a Construction Law MSc or Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent)
• Additional specialist training or qualifications in dispute resolution, arbitration or adjudication would be an advantage

Employing Company Overview and Profile

The employer is a highly respected specialist commercial and contract management consultancy with over 40 years’ experience supporting domestic and international clients. They provide commercial management, planning, dispute resolution and expert witness services to the construction, engineering and outsourcing industries. Their portfolio ranges from public infrastructure projects in transport, energy and water supply, to building, civil engineering and major PFI and IT outsourcing contracts in both the public and private sectors.

They operate from multiple offices across the UK and internationally, supporting clients in the UK, Europe and further afield. The team is made up of high-calibre consultants who are experienced, mobile and adaptive, able to draw on a significant pool of internal expertise to deliver bespoke solutions to their clients’ commercial and contractual challenges.
The company is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment and actively supports professional development, training and career progression for its staff.
A full client employer profile will be provided to applicants shortlisted for interview.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

The Associate Director – Quantum position comes with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Professional fees paid
• Hybrid working (office / home)
• Additional holidays for long service
• Buy / sell holiday scheme
• Pension salary sacrifice scheme
• Support for further education and professional development