At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering innovative cost management solutions for complex infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a leader in infrastructure and engineering with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and career growth in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while mentoring future leaders in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in cost management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
The role will be reporting to the Head of Cost Management. You will play an integral part in supporting with the development and delivering the business plan for this rapidly expanding team. You will manage and plan resources, innovate and foster a collaborative, professional and positive working environment along with delivering an appropriate cost management role. This role will involve delivery, team management and business growth and working with external key strategic partners, new clients, and internal partners across the entire business. You will be specifically responsible for the delivery of multiple commissions and support the Head of Cost Management and the Practice Director in recruiting high‑calibre individuals that will deliver excellence to our clients and represent our brand in a positive way. You will stimulate profitable growth for the team, act as a mentor to others and drive the performance of the business forward.
Responsibilities
- Reporting into the Head of Cost Management, you will be a senior member of the Complex Infrastructure Cost & Estimating Management team responsible for growing the existing team and building long‑term, sustainable team relationships with our Complex Infrastructure clients.
- Further enhance our Cost Management capability including leading on the development and use of Power‑BI, PRISM, Oracle, and other Cost Management related software.
- Lead our community of practice and drive technical excellence, service innovation and support with the development of our benchmarking capabilities.
- Unlock talent and develop next generation of leaders.
- Deliver excellent client service on our commissions through quality assurance and regular client care.
- Develop, mentor, and support your teams on project / technical delivery.
- Deliver the strategy for the Cost Management Service including identifying continuous development.
- Deliver an exceptional cost management service for multiple stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities for strategic recruitment and associated investments by the business, linked to the Complex Infrastructure business strategy.
- Ensure appropriate engagement with the wider AtkinsRéalis business, as determined by the strategy.
- Develop a positive team ethos and continue to create opportunities for the team's development.
- Continually monitor progress against targets, identify risks and provide solutions to achieve successful business outcomes.
- Support with the Cost Management business development activity.
- Review of our Key Account Management Plans for all key clients.
- Monitor and manage Cost Management activity and associated expenditure within your remit.
- Generate high quality leadership material for use on the website & in the market.
- Secure year-on-year margin improvement on project delivery.
- Further develop our Off‑shore capability including managing their use on project delivery.
- Monitor and control compliance with all key metrics, including (but not limited to): Project Health Checks, Risk register review and updates, PSR (Project Status Report) Completion Timesheets, Account management.
- Support the account management team to maximise our impact.
- Enhance the reputation of our business.
- Increase our share of the client's spend.
- Exploit opportunities for cross selling our full spectrum of services & locations.
- Leading interfaces with design and engineering elements of our business.
- Upskilling others and providing career growth opportunity.
- Drive high levels of client satisfaction.
- Having leadership skills necessary to direct and manage the project team.
- Having responsibility, under minimum supervision, delivering portfolios and projects relating to highways, Rail and other infrastructure sectors.
- Be the ambassador for AtkinsRéalis, your profession and the professional institution to which you belong.
- Providing guidance and technical advice to different stakeholders, including effectively chairing meetings.
- Clear understanding of and competence in project commercial accountability.
- Actively broaden your experience and expertise in line with the core competencies.
- Have an up-to-date and developing knowledge of legal and technical matters relevant to the work you do, and the law of the region or country in which you practice.
- Participating in relevant internal/external training initiatives.
- Applying the concepts of quality assurance and environmental management.
- Managing the client relationship and service delivery.
- Managing and helping grow our service and sector‑focused teams.
- Lead a team of Cost Managers at various levels within a project delivery environment.
- Lead a national team of Cost Managers at various levels within AtkinsRéalis.
- Mentoring and developing your team.
Qualifications
- Due to continued growth, we are looking for an exceptional Associate Director to join our Cost Management (Project Controls) team, who possesses strong and proven Infrastructure experience, notably for Rail, Highway, Energy and Infrastructure and Water sectors.
- Recognised expertise and experience in Cost Management services across complex infrastructure industry (either Rail, Highways, Water, Aviation).
- People Management experience and the ability to inspire and motivate teams and unlock future talent for the business.
- An excellent understanding of industry benchmarks / best practices, Cost and Work Breakdown Structures, and methods of measurements (e.g. RMM, MMHWNRM etc).
- Strong network within the energy and/or transport infrastructure sectors.
- Proven track record of service innovation, technical excellence, and exceptional service delivery.
- Exceptional Technical ability to monitor, analyse, and control cost performance against set targets.
- Leadership and technical capabilities to challenge engineering teams and identify cost‑efficient design solutions.
- Collaborative behaviours and technical expertise to interface with wider project controls expertise including schedule logic and risk exposure.
- Comprehensive understanding of the tasks facing transport the sector and the opportunities available.
- Commercial and quantity surveying skills or Finance skills, with full working knowledge of the construction industry, and an understanding of Standard NEC Forms of Contracts (NEC/FIDIC/IChemE), and their commercial basis.
- Expert level and ability to develop and understand performance measurement of projects using Earned Value Management (EVM) and similar techniques.
- Major project/programmes of work experience.
- Proven track record to supervise projects for or on behalf of local or national Complex Infrastructure clients.
- Proven track record of working in a consultancy environment, delivering exceptional projects, and managing teams.
- Degree qualified in a construction or finance related field. Preferably with RICS, ICE, AACE, ACostE or similar.
Benefits
Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive - at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.
Diversity & Inclusion
At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world‑class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.
Associate Director - Cost employer: AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals in the Cost Management field. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, and a flexible hybrid working environment, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally while delivering excellence to our clients. Join us in a rapidly expanding team where your contributions will be valued, and you will have the opportunity to mentor future leaders in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Cost
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like AtkinsRéalis, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Associate Director - Cost at AtkinsRéalis.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Cost
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
