Associate Director - Delay

A highly reputable claims and disputes consultancy based in Warrington is looking to appoint an Associate Director – Delay. This is a senior opportunity for an established delay professional to play a key role in delivering expert delay services across claims, disputes (predominantly adjudications) and expert witness-related work.

The successful candidate will most likely be an existing Associate Director or a Senior Consultant specialising in delay analysis within a disputes consultancy environment. In addition to leading complex assignments, there is genuine scope to support the wider growth of the business, including helping to expand the team and develop client relationships.

If you are looking for a role offering both technical depth and leadership responsibility within a well-respected consultancy, this could be an excellent career move.

Project Details

This role offers exposure to a broad range of assignments across multiple construction sectors. You will work with a varied client base including main contractors, specialist subcontractors and client organisations, supporting matters from live project claims through to formal dispute proceedings.

Responsibilities and Duties

As an Associate Director, you will report directly to the Managing Director, supporting senior leadership on complex disputes while also leading your own client commissions relating to time, delay and disruption.

You will be expected to provide a range of services including:

• Leading and overseeing delay analysis on claims and disputes, including disputed and non-contentious time-related issues

• Reviewing construction programmes and providing clear guidance on logic, critical path, progress and delay impacts

• Advising clients on strategy and best practice to help avoid, manage and resolve time-related disputes

• Supporting clients with delay and loss matters, including record review, substantiation and narrative development

• Working closely with commercial/quantum experts to ensure time and cost positions are aligned across claims and disputes

• Acting as Lead Assistant (or equivalent) in support of expert witness appointments, including report inputs and technical evidence

• Coaching and training clients and internal team members on planning, delay and time-related issues

• Liaising with solicitors and legal teams to provide expert support in construction disputes

• Contributing to business development through relationship management, proposals and helping to grow the delay service line

Desired Skills and Experience

• Approximately 10 years’ post-graduate experience within the construction industry

• Strong background in live planning/programming/project controls for contracting organisations and/or delay analysis within a disputes consultancy (experience of both is highly advantageous)

• Experience acting as Lead Assistant to an Expert Witness (or similar level support role) is highly desirable

• Solid understanding of programme management, critical path principles and forensic delay analysis approaches

• Proficient with planning software such as Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject and/or MS Project

• Exposure to formal disputes (adjudication, arbitration, litigation) is advantageous, though not essential

• Confident, well-presented and comfortable in a client-facing role, able to communicate effectively at senior levels

• Strong working knowledge of NEC and JCT forms of contract is essential

• Competent with Microsoft Office packages

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Degree-qualified (or equivalent)

• A Masters in Construction Law is desirable; candidates working towards further qualifications may also be considered

Employing Company Overview and Profile

The hiring company is a multi-disciplinary construction consultancy focused on risk analysis and mitigation, dispute avoidance, expert witness support, coaching and training, project management, commercial management and dispute resolution.

Since its formation, the business has developed a strong and expanding client base and is well positioned to support clients nationwide through multiple UK office locations.

The consultancy is led by a highly regarded senior management team who provide excellent guidance and long-term career development opportunities.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Basic salary up to £120,000 (DOE)

• Car allowance

• Pension

• Discretionary bonus

• Support towards further qualifications

• Hybrid working opportunity