At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business growth and deliver top-notch service on exciting projects.
- Company: Dynamic consultancy firm with a focus on innovative cost management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Great opportunities for leadership and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in the built environment.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified with MRICS and experience in cost consultancy.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Associate to support the growth of the business and deliver world class service to our diverse client base.
About the Role
We are currently looking for an Associate to support the growth of the business and the continued delivery of world class service to our diverse client base. Working within a dedicated and dynamic cost team and reporting directly into senior leadership, this is an exciting opportunity to work on high profile projects across the built environment, including office, fit out and hospitality projects. As an Associate your day‑to‑day will focus on managing pre and post‑contract activities ranging from managing procurements and project finances to cost estimating and ensuring projects are delivered within budget constraints. You will be encouraged to guide members of the team and play a part in growing the business through participation in the firm’s wider initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement
- Proficient understanding of core procurement and contract options.
- Ability to draft procurement strategies with multiple packages/workstreams focusing on achieving client objectives.
- Ability to take market soundings, establish potential supply chain lists, and develop inputs into procurement strategy.
- Experience of two‑stage procurement and preparing a full suite of tender documents.
- Lead a tender evaluation process, reviewing and analysing tender returns, chairing evaluation/consensus meetings and writing comprehensive Tender Reports for presentation to clients.
- Negotiating and collating contract documents with client teams and contractors.
- Strong stakeholder engagement experience with proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
- Exceptional report writing, production and presentation skills including use of relevant role‑related software.
- Post‑Contract Management
- Prepare and present detailed cost reports, cashflow forecasts, and financial analysis to the client.
- Manage post‑contract change control, including Loss & Expense and claims.
- Assess works completed for payment application and issue Interim Valuation recommendations.
- Negotiate and prepare final accounts.
- Cost Planning, Estimating and Benchmarking
- Develop and manage construction budgets, ensuring costs are controlled within financial parameters.
- Monitor construction budget and proactively manage changes, including risk registers, change trackers and contingency.
- Conduct accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including measurement and consideration of all project factors.
- Prepare and deliver cost plans.
- Use specialist tools to undertake cost estimating exercises with up‑to‑date data gathering and management.
- Analyse and evaluate the financial impact of design changes and recommend cost‑effective solutions.
- Undertake market testing of costs, liaising with specialist subcontractors and suppliers.
- Develop plans to bridge gaps resulting from benchmarking exercises.
- Risk Management
- Identify and assess potential risks associated with construction projects, developing mitigation strategies.
- Provide proactive advice to project teams on risk‑related issues to avoid disputes and delays.
About You
- Degree qualified.
- MRICS.
- Pre and post contract experience.
- Experience of working under construction contract terms and conditions, with both single and two‑stage procurement routes.
- Previous experience working within a consultancy environment strongly desirable.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- A strategic thinker with broad problem‑solving skills.
- Experience working in a client‑focused environment with a commitment to excellent client service.
- Understanding of market issues and events and their impact.
- Positive attitude with willingness to contribute to business initiatives.
- Experience of Microsoft platforms and CostX.
- Proven leadership skills providing guidance and advice to team members.
- Ability to facilitate effective communication and coordination among internal teams, client, and project teams.
- Track record of business development.
- Experience in office, fit‑out, hospitality and retail preferred.
Associate Cost Consultant employer: Gardiner and Theobald LLP
Gardiner and Theobald LLP is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture focused on professional growth and collaboration. With a commitment to delivering world-class service in high-profile infrastructure and aviation projects, employees benefit from extensive development opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and leadership. Located in a vibrant area, the company offers unique advantages such as networking possibilities and a strong reputation within the sector, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Cost Consultant
✨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 current employees at companies you’re interested in. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Practice common interview questions and think about how your skills align with the role of an Associate Cost Consultant. Remember, we want to see your personality shine through, so be yourself!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a portfolio that highlights your previous work, especially any cost management or project finance experience. Use real examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to manage budgets effectively. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Cost Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Cost Consultant role. Highlight relevant experience in procurement, cost management, and project finance. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific projects or experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to convey complex information clearly. Whether it's through your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, let us see your exceptional report writing skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gardiner and Theobald LLP
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Associate Cost Consultant, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your cost estimating skills and be ready to discuss how you've managed project finances in the past. Prepare examples of how you’ve kept projects within budget and any tools you’ve used, like CostX.
✨Master Procurement Strategies
Understanding procurement is key for this role. Familiarise yourself with different procurement methods and be prepared to discuss how you would draft procurement strategies. Think about past experiences where you’ve led tender evaluations or negotiated contracts, as these will be great talking points.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This position requires strong communication skills at all levels. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively engaged with clients and stakeholders. Highlight any instances where your communication helped resolve issues or improved project outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
As a strategic thinker, you’ll need to showcase your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
