Associate Cost Consultant in London

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 Associate to support with the growth of the business and the continued delivery of world class service to our diverse client base. Our Cost 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, including office, fit out and hospitality projects. 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 Associate you will have a hand in the development of G&T as a business, building relationships externally and internally and playing a part in recruiting new talent. You will have a large involvement and responsibility in managing multiple high profile 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 that projects are delivered within budget constraints. Your project experience will enable you to be responsible for a significant portion of projects. 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.

The key responsibilities of the role will include:

• 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 list, and develop inputs into procurement strategy.
  • Experience of two-stage procurement and managing the second stage process.
  • Experience and capable in 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 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 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 Loss & Expense and claims.
  • Undertake assessment of works completed for application for payments and issue Interim Valuation recommendations.
  • Negotiate and prepare final accounts.
• Cost Planning, Estimating and Benchmarking
  • Develop and manage construction budgets, ensuring costs are controlled and remain within established financial parameters.
  • Monitor construction budget, pro-actively manage the changes on the project, including project risk registers, change trackers and construction 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.
• 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.
• 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 in business initiatives.
• Experience of Microsoft platforms and CostX.
• Proven Leadership skills providing guidance and advice to team members in their work and professional development.
• Can work closely with internal teams, the client, and project teams to ensure effective communication and coordination.
• Demonstrate a track record of business development.
• Experience on high value projects within the commercial, office, residential, fit out, health, hotel education, industrial, or infrastructure sectors preferred.

Collaboration, innovation, and support are at the core of everything we do. As an Associate, you will be joining a diverse team led by one of G&T’s equity partners and a board member. Our partner-led model allows us to adopt bespoke approaches both in the service we offer to clients and in the development opportunities we offer our people.

Within your team you will be given clear direction and positive encouragement at every turn, whilst our commitment to your career development and lifelong learning programmes ensures you have the support, as well as the tools to thrive. Forward thinking and future focused, we champion social mobility, ethical governance, equality and diversity, creating an inclusive environment where everyone’s unique talents and experiences are valued.

Our ESG goals are at the forefront of our business plan, and we are proud to have created social value worth over 19m+ since 2021. Our initiatives include the G&T ESG Committee, dedicated to increasing opportunities and removing barriers for social mobility and equality within the firm, as well as our Next Gen programme which focuses on nurturing the next generation in the industry. Our commitment to realising a more sustainable future is witnessed not only through helping our clients meet their own next zero carbon aspirations but also by reaching our own, with an aim for our firm to be net zero by 2030.

Department: QS

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Workplace type: Onsite