Associate Director in Birmingham

Associate Director in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead cost management for major projects in nuclear defence and ensure commercial success.
  • Company: Join Gleeds, a global leader in property and construction consultancy with over 150 years of experience.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous holidays, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with strong support for career development and community engagement.
  • Why this job: Be part of transformative projects that shape communities and tackle climate change.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or relevant field; experience in construction and cost management required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Gleeds is a leading global property and construction consultancy. Independent since 1875, we are proud to deliver award-winning projects around the world. We are a Great Place to Work certified employer, with our people at the heart of everything we do. Climate change and Sustainability is at the top of our agenda; we have been established within the energy sector for the past 40 years and have achieved significant growth in the past years as we contribute to a sector that will have trillions of pounds of investment over the next decade. Our teams are at the forefront of the change, managing life changing projects in Solar, Hydrogen, Nuclear, Renewables and Defence.

The Energy team continues to grow, and we are now seeking to appoint an Associate Director of Cost Management who will play a pivotal role in supporting the successful delivery of major, complex programmes within nuclear defence frameworks. This role will operate at the heart of commercial strategy and project governance, providing expert leadership across commercial management. Working within a highly regulated, mission‑critical environment, you will help shape commercial solutions, protect client interests, and ensure robust commercial performance across multi‑disciplinary project teams.

Your day to day could involve:

  • Support the development of early‑stage cost estimates and commercial strategy from RIBA Stage 0 onwards
  • Operate NEC and other forms of contract and ensure compliance with contract process and timelines
  • Liaise with design and planning teams to ensure commercial considerations are embedded in early design decisions
  • Support the project director in the management of key stakeholders. Run client meetings in the absence of the commercial lead.
  • Provide cost planning, budget monitoring, and cost control throughout the project lifecycle
  • Maintain accurate financial reporting, forecasting, and cash flow analysis for client reporting
  • Conduct value engineering and whole‑life cost analysis to ensure value for money

However, in the consultancy world, no two days are the same! We are a flexible team that support each other’s projects as well as getting involved with wider business activities and we believe that variety is key to your development.

Who we’re looking for:

  • Ideally be HNC, HND or Degree qualified in a Quantity Surveying / Cost Management, Construction Law, or similar / relevant discipline, or in some cases applicants with an alternative background (e.g.: Engineering) may be considered
  • Must have experience within the Construction environment or engineering discipline and relevant experience within Cost Management, experience in the Nuclear / Civil engineering / Engineering (Including Service contracting) sector is essential
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, as well as a methodical way of thinking with excellent problem solving skills
  • Experience operating forms of contract, including NEC3 and NEC4
  • Broad technical knowledge in Procurement, Supply Chain, Cost and Commercial Management (both pre and post‑contract)
  • Professional qualifications/memberships (RICS, CIOB, CICES, CIPS) desirable and supported if not already attained

What we can offer you:

  • Clear opportunities to develop and grow your career through training and further qualifications
  • Fantastic networking opportunities to grow your personal brand and expand your understanding of the industry
  • Generous holiday allowance plus the option to purchase additional days through the holiday purchase scheme.
  • Highly competitive salary and the opportunity to increase this through continuous reviews
  • Employee Assistance Programme to ensure your health and personal well‑being comes first
  • Flexible working arrangements to ensure you have a healthy work‑life balance
  • Volunteering opportunities to engage with your local community or charitable organisations
  • Unparalleled support from central teams and a company that is recognised as a gold standard investor in people

About us: Gleeds is a global property and construction consultancy with over 150 years of expertise, operating in 28 countries worldwide. From iconic landmarks to critical infrastructure, we drive innovation, sustainability and value, delivering transformative projects that shape communities and redefine the built environment. Gleeds is committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. We uphold the principles of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) and embrace the diversity of our teams. As an equal opportunities employer, we provide support, flexibility and accessibility for all. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact our Talent Team at careers@gleeds.com.

Associate Director in Birmingham employer: Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd

Gleeds is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham with flexible core hours and opportunities for travel to Derby. As a Great Place to Work certified company, we prioritise employee well-being and development, providing clear pathways for career growth, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to be part of transformative projects in the energy sector, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact on sustainability and innovation.

Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd

Contact Details:

Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director in Birmingham

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 Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd, 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 Associate Director at Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director in Birmingham

Cost Management
Commercial Strategy
Contract Compliance
Stakeholder Management
Financial Reporting
Budget Monitoring
Value Engineering

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 Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd

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!