Associate - Cost Management | Water & Utilities

Associate - Cost Management | Water & Utilities

Location: Bristol / Cardiff | Hybrid Working

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Contract: Permanent | Full-time

The opportunity

An established multidisciplinary construction and infrastructure consultancy is looking to appoint an experienced Associate to support the continued development of its Cost Management offering within the water and utilities sector.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute Quantity Surveying or Cost Management professional who has progressed beyond project delivery and is looking to take on broader responsibility for people, clients, operational performance and business growth.

The role combines senior-level commercial expertise with the opportunity to manage and develop teams, strengthen client relationships and contribute to the delivery of significant infrastructure programmes.

You’ll work alongside experienced senior management and multidisciplinary professionals, taking an active role in shaping how cost management services are delivered, supporting the development of individuals and ensuring clients receive consistent, commercially informed advice.

The business is particularly interested in individuals who understand the challenges of delivering major infrastructure programmes and can combine strong technical knowledge with practical management experience.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing and developing cost management teams, supporting individual performance, professional development and career progression
• Overseeing commercial and cost management activities across major water, utilities and infrastructure projects
• Supporting the delivery of long-term programmes and frameworks, ensuring appropriate resources, commercial controls and reporting processes are in place
• Reviewing project financial performance, commercial risks, cost reporting and change management proceduresProviding senior-level advice on procurement, contractual matters, cost planning and commercial strategy
• Supporting the effective administration and management of NEC contracts and associated commercial processes
• Working closely with project teams to identify challenges, resolve commercial issues and maintain consistent standards of delivery
• Managing team workloads, resource requirements and operational priorities across multiple projects
• Building and maintaining relationships with clients, framework partners and wider project stakeholders
• Supporting business development activities, identifying opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and develop new workstreams
• Contributing to operational planning, recruitment, succession planning and the continued development of the Cost Management function
• Working collaboratively with project management, engineering and wider consultancy teams to deliver commercially robust project outcomes

You’ll have the opportunity to influence both project delivery and the wider direction of the service, with a particular emphasis on creating effective teams, developing capability and maintaining strong commercial performance.

About you

We’re interested in speaking with experienced Cost Management and Quantity Surveying professionals who have:

• A strong background in cost management, quantity surveying or commercial management within construction or infrastructure
• Experience working within the water, utilities or wider regulated infrastructure sectors
• A good understanding of major infrastructure programmes, frameworks and associated commercial arrangements
• Strong knowledge of NEC contracts, procurement, commercial governance and change management
• Experience managing, mentoring or developing commercial and cost management teams
• The ability to oversee multiple projects, manage resources and maintain high standards of service delivery
• Strong commercial awareness, including an understanding of fee management, project profitability and operational performance
• Experience building relationships with clients, senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary project teams
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills
• The confidence to make decisions, challenge constructively and contribute to wider business planning and development

A relevant degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline would be advantageous.

Chartered status, such as MRICS or an equivalent professional qualification, would be highly regarded, although individuals working towards professional accreditation are also encouraged to apply.

Experience gained within a construction consultancy, client organisation or major infrastructure contractor would be relevant, particularly where you’ve had exposure to framework delivery, client relationships and managing commercial teams.

We’re particularly interested in individuals who can bring together technical expertise, commercial judgement and strong people management skills. Someone who understands the detail of cost management but also recognises the importance of developing teams, managing client expectations and contributing to the longer-term success of the business.

Why consider this opportunity

• Take on a senior position within an established multidisciplinary consultancy
• Work across significant water, utilities and infrastructure programmes
• Combine technical cost management expertise with wider operational and people management responsibilities
• Develop and mentor experienced commercial professionals
• Build long-term relationships with infrastructure clients and delivery partners
• Contribute to the growth and development of an established Cost Management service
• Collaborate with experienced professionals across multiple technical disciplines
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
• Ongoing professional development and longer-term career progression
• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to both project outcomes and the development of the wider business

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