At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow Utilities sector service delivery while nurturing client relationships.
- Company: Cumming Group, a global consultancy known for innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear progression, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Join a diverse workplace that values initiative and long-term career development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Utilities in a dynamic environment with high-profile projects.
- Qualifications: Strong NEC expertise and experience in Utilities infrastructure required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Cumming Group is an international project and cost management consultancy delivering innovative solutions in construction, real estate, and infrastructure. With a commitment to collaboration, transparency, and performance excellence, we support some of the world’s most respected clients across a diverse range of sectors.
Due to continued growth across our Infrastructure & Utilities portfolio, we are seeking an Associate Director to strengthen our Manchester office, with regular presence in Warrington to support key client delivery. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a Utilities-focused professional with strong NEC expertise and a proven track record in work-winning and client development.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:- Lead and grow Utilities sector service delivery across Manchester and Warrington.
- Develop and nurture long-term client relationships, identifying cross-sell and growth opportunities.
- Take ownership of revenue targets, profitability and P&L performance within your portfolio.
- Lead NEC-based project delivery (NEC3/NEC4), ensuring robust commercial and contract management.
- Drive work-winning activity, bid leadership, fee proposals and strategic positioning.
- Oversee resource planning, forecasting and team utilisation to meet sector growth objectives.
- Provide leadership and line management to direct reports, including mentoring and annual appraisals.
- Support recruitment aligned with long-term sector strategy.
- Ensure governance, quality assurance, and commercial controls are embedded across projects.
- Monitor project financial performance and support fee recovery where required.
- Strong background in Utilities infrastructure (water, energy, power, or regulated environments).
- Demonstrable NEC contract expertise (essential).
- Proven ability to win work and develop client relationships.
- Commercially astute with experience managing project profitability and budgets.
- Experience leading teams and delivering complex infrastructure programmes.
- Confident communicator with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering or similar.
- MRICS (or equivalent) preferred.
Why Join Cumming Group? At Cumming Group, your success is measured by the impact you make. We offer:
- The opportunity to shape and grow a key Utilities region.
- A collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
- Exposure to high-profile infrastructure programmes.
- Clear progression towards Director-level opportunities.
- A business that values innovation, accountability and leadership.
You’ll be joining a dynamic team where initiative is encouraged, performance is recognised, and long-term career development is supported. Cumming Group is committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All job applicants will receive equal treatment without regard to age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race (includes nationality, national / ethnic origins, colour), marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, gender reassignment, religion and belief.
Associate Director in Manchester employer: Cumming Group Infrastructure
Contact Detail:
Cumming Group Infrastructure Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your NEC expertise and any successful projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so take the time to understand Cumming Group’s values and culture. When you’re networking or interviewing, align your experiences and skills with what we’re looking for in an Associate Director. This shows you’re genuinely interested and a great fit for our team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and serious about joining our dynamic team at Cumming Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Director role. Highlight your NEC expertise and any relevant projects you've led in the Utilities sector to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention your work-winning experience and client relationship skills.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leadership position, we want to see your ability to lead teams and manage projects effectively. Share examples of how you've mentored others or driven successful project outcomes in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Cumming Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumming Group Infrastructure
✨Know Your NEC Inside Out
Since the role requires strong NEC expertise, make sure you brush up on the specifics of NEC3 and NEC4 contracts. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with these contracts and how you've successfully managed projects using them.
✨Showcase Your Client Relationship Skills
This position is all about developing long-term client relationships. Prepare examples of how you've nurtured client connections in the past, highlighting any cross-selling or growth opportunities you've identified and acted upon.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
As a senior leader, you'll need to take ownership of revenue targets and profitability. Be prepared to discuss your experience managing project budgets and how you've ensured financial performance in previous roles.
✨Lead with Confidence
You'll be expected to provide leadership and mentorship to your team. Think about your leadership style and prepare to share examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed resources, and driven work-winning activities in the past.