Associate Director - Cost & Commercial

C-QUEST: The Middle East’s No. 1 Cost Consultant of the Year. For over 24 years, C-QUEST has been a driving force in shaping iconic skylines and sustainable communities across the Middle East. As an award-winning project development and cost consultancy firm, we specialize in delivering tailored, innovative, and sustainable solutions that optimize cost efficiency and commercial excellence across construction and infrastructure projects. With a team of 100+ industry experts, we provide end-to-end project support, ensuring seamless execution from inception to completion. Backed by KEO’s legacy of expertise and integrated services, C-QUEST maintains an independent, client-first approach, ensuring projects are delivered on budget and aligned with sustainability goals.

Our newest opportunity is for an Associate Director to join our award-winning team. The Associate Director will be based out of our client offices in London and will represent the firm in its dealings with all relevant parties and act as an interface between the client and consultant offices. We are looking for a dynamic individual with extensive experience in Pre Contract Commercial & Cost Management, with experience working on a range of large-scale and complex developments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the interface between cost management consultant and lead design consultant.
• Attend design team meetings/workshops and comment/advice on the potential cost impact of key design decisions.
• Work with the lead design consultant to provide value-added solutions throughout the design process while managing design to meet the client's budget obligations.
• Ensure that design development progresses in line with a pre-approved cost management plan (CMP).
• Notify cost management project leads of any risks or opportunities as design develops and incorporate cost impacts into a monthly coordinated cost management report.
• Work with the wider cost management team to compile the monthly report, integrating cost data into a pre-approved reporting format.
• Report directly to the Project Director/Deputy Project Director of the cost management team.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 15 years of pre-contract, cost, and commercial management experience within a consultancy environment.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying and chartered status (MRICS or equivalent) are required.
• Extensive expertise in contractual, commercial, and financial matters, especially in cost planning and estimation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce clear reports and presentations.
• Ability to deliver effective and persuasive presentations on complex topics to various audiences including clients and top management.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proven experience in developing strategic solutions and fostering collaborative relationships to achieve business results.
• In-depth knowledge of financial principles, with the ability to analyze complex figures, forecast, and prepare budgets.
• Knowledge of UAE and KSA markets would be highly desirable.

C-Quest International is a KEO Allied Practice. KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a core value. We offer comprehensive services from conceptualization to realization in the built and natural environments. With over 60 years of experience, we have contributed to many of the world’s most ambitious projects, iconic places, and prosperous communities. Our performance is based on integrity, results, innovation, safety, and our people. We embrace diversity and value its contribution to client success worldwide. We look forward to partnering with talented professionals and invite all expressions of interest, which will be treated confidentially.