Associate Director Cost Management

An excellent Associate Director Quantity Surveying / Cost Management opportunity in Central London with a premium independent cost consultancy.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical cost management capability with client development, business development and leadership responsibilities, with excellent scope to progress towards future senior leadership and potential shareholding.

Project Details

The successful Associate Director will work on multiple concurrent premium fit-out and refurbishment projects in Central London, typically valued between approximately £5m and £15m.

The project portfolio is expected to include high-quality commercial, residential, retail and hospitality fit-out and refurbishment commissions for premium London clients, with a particular focus on high-end fit-out and refurbishment.

As an Associate Director, you will own significant client commissions while also helping oversee the quality and commercial performance of projects delivered by other team members.

You will be expected to scope, manage and deliver projects through both pre-contract and post-contract stages while developing existing client relationships and helping to secure new work.

Responsibilities and Duties

This is a senior, hands-on Associate Director Quantity Surveying and Cost Management position requiring strong technical capability, commercial judgement, leadership skills and the confidence to develop client relationships and generate new business.

The successful candidate will play an important role in delivering high-quality cost consultancy services while contributing directly to the business's continued growth and development.

• Take senior responsibility for premium fit-out and refurbishment projects typically valued between £5m and £15m.
• Lead projects throughout their lifecycle from feasibility and pre-contract cost planning through procurement, construction and final account.
• Deliver and oversee the full range of pre-contract quantity surveying and cost management services.
• Prepare and review feasibility estimates, cost plans, tender documentation and procurement advice.
• Advise clients on procurement strategy, construction costs, commercial risk and value for money.
• Lead tender processes, analyse contractor returns and present commercial recommendations to clients.
• Oversee post-contract cost management including valuations, variations, change control, cost reporting and final accounts.
• Act as a senior point of contact for key clients, consultants and other members of the professional team.
• Scope commissions, prepare fee proposals and determine appropriate quantity surveying and cost management resources.
• Take responsibility for maintaining a high standard of technical and commercial service across client commissions.
• Develop existing client relationships and identify opportunities to increase the range and value of consultancy services provided.
• Take an active role in business development, networking and identifying new clients and project opportunities.
• Help convert relationships and market opportunities into profitable fee-earning work.
• Lead or contribute substantially to pitches, fee proposals, bid submissions and client presentations.
• Represent the consultancy confidently at client meetings, industry events and networking opportunities.
• Help manage, mentor and develop Quantity Surveyors and other members of the cost management team.
• Support workload planning and allocation of resources across projects where appropriate.
• Work closely with the Directors and senior leadership team on the commercial performance and future development of the consultancy.
• Contribute ideas on business strategy, client development, recruitment and growth.
• Build the capability and relationships required to progress towards a future senior leadership position within the business.

Desired Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will already be operating at Associate, Associate Director or highly experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor / Senior Cost Manager level within a recognised London cost consultancy environment.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate not only strong project delivery capability but also an ability to develop clients, win work and contribute commercially to the growth of a consultancy.

• Strong professional experience in Quantity Surveying and Cost Management, ideally with substantial recent London consultancy experience.
• Previous experience working for a PQS, cost consultancy or construction consultancy.
• Strong experience delivering fit-out and refurbishment projects is essential.
• Proven experience taking independent responsibility for projects in the region of £5m–£15m construction value.
• Strong pre-contract quantity surveying experience including cost planning, estimating, procurement, tendering and tender analysis.
• Strong post-contract quantity surveying experience including valuations, variations, change control, cost reporting and final accounts.
• Excellent knowledge of London construction costs, contractors, consultants and market conditions.
• Experience acting as the principal commercial or cost management contact for sophisticated property and construction clients.
• Demonstrable ability to build and retain strong client relationships.
• Previous business development, networking or work-winning experience.
• Able to identify opportunities to develop existing client accounts and secure additional commissions.
• Comfortable preparing and presenting fee proposals, pitches and client presentations.
• Strong commercial judgement and an understanding of consultancy fees, profitability and resource management.
• Previous experience mentoring, supervising or managing less experienced Quantity Surveyors.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent presentation, negotiation and relationship-building ability.
• Able to manage multiple commissions, client relationships and business development responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Ambition to progress into senior leadership and potentially ownership of an independent cost consultancy.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management or a closely related construction discipline is preferred.
• MRICS status is strongly preferred for this Associate Director appointment.

Employing Company Overview and Profile

Maxim Recruitment is seeking an experienced Associate Director – Quantity Surveying / Cost Management on behalf of a premium independent cost consultancy based in Central London.

The consultancy has an established client base including premium London property clients and specialises in delivering high-quality fit-out and refurbishment commissions. Its core team has worked together successfully for many years, and the business is now focused on its next phase of growth.

This Associate Director appointment offers considerably greater scope for influence than may typically be available within a large corporate cost consultancy. The successful candidate will have direct access to the senior leadership team and the opportunity to influence client development, project delivery, recruitment and wider business strategy.

The opportunity will particularly suit an ambitious cost consultant who wants to combine technical project delivery with client development, work winning and team leadership. Subject to performance and mutual agreement, there may also be the opportunity to progress towards a future leadership role and potential shareholding in the consultancy.

A full client overview will be given to shortlisted candidates.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Salary to be agreed depending on experience and level of responsibility
• 25 days annual leave plus Public Holidays
• Private medical and health insurance
• Excellent scope for career progression
• Opportunity to progress into the future leadership of the business
• Potential future opportunity to acquire a shareholding in the business
• Mostly office-based Central London role