At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project management and cost structuring for high-value residential projects.
- Company: Prestigious project advisory studio in Central London with a focus on prime residential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team dedicated to quality and professionalism.
- Why this job: Shape the future of project management while working on exciting, high-value schemes.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in project management within prime residential; strong cost management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A highly regarded, Central London-based project advisory studio is looking for a Project Manager to join its team. The practice operates exclusively within the prime and super-prime residential sector, working on behalf of private clients, UHNWIs, and family offices across high-value schemes typically ranging from £5m to £50m+.
This is an unusual role in the best sense: it combines genuine project management rigour with a strong commercial dimension. The successful candidate will be expected to bring a real understanding of cost — not just as a line item, but as a framework — and to help build out an internal costing structure from the ground up.
- Building and embedding an internal costing structure to bring QS in-house, including establishing the systems, templates, and processes the studio needs to manage cost intelligence consistently across projects.
- Acting as primary client representative on flagship projects, chairing meetings and coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams including architects, interior designers, engineers, and contractors.
- Producing accurate, senior-level reporting for clients and internal stakeholders across risk, cost, programme, and quality.
- Supporting business development through delivery expertise in pitches and project appraisals.
This role sits at the intersection of project management and quantity surveying.
- 5 to 8 years of experience in project management within prime or super-prime residential — this sector experience is essential.
- A real understanding of cost management: structuring cost plans, interrogating QS outputs, and building frameworks that can be embedded into a business.
- Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary consultant teams end-to-end, with strong procurement and contract knowledge.
- Comfortable with ambiguity — this role involves building something new, and you will need to be self-directed and pragmatic.
- A strong PM/QS background with demonstrable cost management experience will also be considered.
- High commercial literacy and the ability to interrogate budgets and benchmarks with confidence.
Salary £60,000–£80,000 depending on experience. Direct involvement in building out an internal function with genuine commercial importance. A high-calibre, close-knit team with a strong culture of quality, rigour, and professionalism. Central London office, hybrid working (4 days in office, 1 day from home). Projects that are genuinely interesting: complex, high-value, and designed.
Project Cost Management Manager/Director in London employer: Curio Careers
Join a highly regarded project advisory studio in Central London, where you will be part of a close-knit team dedicated to excellence in the prime and super-prime residential sector. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, this role offers the unique opportunity to shape internal cost management structures while working on complex, high-value projects that truly challenge and inspire. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values quality and rigour, alongside the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Cost Management Manager/Director in London
✨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 Curio Careers, 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 Project Cost Management Manager/Director at Curio Careers.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Cost Management Manager/Director in London
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 Curio Careers
✨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!
