Executive Cost Consultant

Gardiner & Theobald is an independent construction and property consultancy committed to providing world class service to our clients. Our dedicated team of over 1,300 people delivers Cost Management, Project Management and Specialist Consultancy services from a network of UK and US offices bound by a common purpose - to build a better tomorrow. We define our success by the value we create for our clients, the fulfilling careers we build for our people and our contribution to the communities we work in. Our own long‑term business performance aligns profit with purpose, taking social and environmental responsibility for our actions and the legacy we leave behind. People are central to our mission. Rewarding individuals based on their unique abilities, talent and hard work, we believe in the quality of experiences and investing in a collaborative culture where all can thrive.

We are currently looking for an Executive Surveyor to support the growth of the business and the continued delivery of world class service to our diverse client base. Our Cost and Commercial Management teams work across a variety of sectors, offering you the chance to work on a wide variety of interesting and stimulating projects with no sector boundaries while our focus on training and development creates the perfect environment in which to progress your career. 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.

The ideal candidate will have experience as the day‑to‑day project contact and who thrives on challenges and client facing roles, being both eager to learn and develop whilst also helping to drive forward our position as an industry leader. Your attention to detail, analytical skills and ability to collaborate with various stakeholders will be paramount to your success in the role and the overall success of the projects.

As an Executive Surveyor you will support in the development of G&T as a business, building relationships externally and internally and playing a part in recruiting new talent. You will be involved and take responsibility in managing a team, managing multiple projects including fee income, budget and resources.

Role Accountabilities:

• Managing pre and post contract activities ranging from managing procurements and project finances, to cost estimating and ensuring that projects are delivered within budget constraints.
• Develop specialist knowledge and be responsible for a significant portion of projects.
• Guide junior members of the team and participate in the firm’s wider initiatives.

Procurement:

• Proficient understanding of core procurement and contract options (e.g., NEC 3/4) and routes to market.
• Ability to draft procurement strategies setting out how goods or services will be purchased focusing on achieving Client objectives.
• Ability to take market soundings, establish supplier bidding potential, conduct surveys, report their results and develop inputs into procurement strategy.
• Strong knowledge and experience undertaking compliant procurement events under Public Procurement Regulations (PCR 2015/UCR 2016).
• Knowledge of new Procurement Act 2023 regulations.
• Experience in developing and preparing a full suite of tender documents.
• Ability to lead a tender evaluation process which may include reviewing and analysing tender returns, chairing evaluation/consensus meetings and drafting evaluation reports for client approval.
• Negotiating and collating contract documents with Client teams and Suppliers.
• Strong stakeholder engagement experience with proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Exceptional report writing, production and presentation including ability to use 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 compensation events and claims (preferably NEC 3 & 4).
• Undertake assessment of works completed for application for payments.
• Negotiate and prepare final accounts.

Cost Planning, Estimating and Benchmarking:

• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring costs are controlled and remain within established financial parameters.
• Monitor costs of work done and report on budget variances, providing prompt and accurate financial information to the Client.
• Monitor project budget, pro‑actively manage the changes on the project, including project risk registers and contingency with the project team.
• Conduct accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including measurement and consideration of all project factors to inform rates throughout the design stage.
• Knowledge and ability to prepare and deliver cost plans.
• Usage of specialist tools and techniques in undertaking cost estimating exercises with understanding of methods/systems used for data gathering, management, storage and keeping data relevant and current.
• Analyse and evaluate the potential financial impact of design changes, recommending cost‑effective solutions.
• Undertake market testing of costs, including liaising with specialist subcontractors and suppliers.
• Knowledge and ability to develop plans to analyse and to bridge gaps resulting from a benchmarking exercise.

Risk Management:

• Identify and assess potential risks associated with construction projects, developing strategies to mitigate and manage identified risks.
• Provide proactive advice to project teams on risk‑related issues to avoid disputes and delays.

About You:

• Degree qualified – preferably within a construction related discipline.
• MRICS preferred, but not essential. We can support the training required to gain MRICS.
• Pre and post contract experience.
• Experience on high value projects within the commercial, office, residential, fit out, health, education, industrial or preferred.
• Infrastructure experience is welcomed, but experience within the built environment is essential.
• Previous experience within a consultancy environment strongly desirable.
• Able to work on own initiative.
• A strategic thinker with broad problem solving skills.
• Experience working in a client focused environment with a personal commitment to the delivery of excellent client service.
• Able to demonstrate an understanding of market issues and events and their impact.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to get involved.
• Leadership skills - able to provide guidance and advice to junior members in their work and professional development.
• Ability to work with internal teams, the client, and project teams to ensure effective communication and coordination.

You will be joining a team led by a G&T partner. The team of people you will be working with are from diverse backgrounds and experiences and as well as being hard working they enjoy business networking, socialising and taking part in G&T social and sporting events. G&T’s focus on training and development creates the perfect environment in which to progress your career. Within this team you will be given clear direction and positive encouragement at every turn as well as the tools to drive your career towards promotion when matched with your hard work and effort.