Associate Director - Cost Manager

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.

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.

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

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

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

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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