At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client assignments on commercial and contractual matters in construction disputes.
- Company: Reputable claims and disputes consultancy with a strong management team.
- Benefits: Flexible freelance role with opportunities for career growth and diverse projects.
- Other info: Work with well-known clients and gain exposure to various sectors.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: 10 years' experience in Quantity Surveying and strong commercial advice skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A well-respected claims and disputes consultancy based in Sheffield is looking to appoint a freelance Associate Director – Commercial & Quantum. This is an excellent opportunity to join a reputable business with a highly experienced senior management team, offering involvement in a strong pipeline of claims, disputes (predominantly adjudications) and expert witness work. In this line of work, it is common to gain exposure to a wide variety of assignments. This can include projects across multiple sectors, as well as working with a range of well-known clients, including tier one main contractors, specialist subcontractors and client organisations.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Report directly to the Managing Director and lead your own client assignments relating to commercial, quantum and contractual matters on live projects and disputes.
- Examine and advise on construction contracts (including NEC and JCT).
- Provide commercially focused advice to help prevent, manage and resolve disputes.
- Lead the preparation and review of claims and dispute submissions, including quantum analysis.
- Assist the appointed expert with analysis and expert report writing (as required).
- Advise clients on cost and commercial matters, including variations, change control and valuations.
- Deliver coaching and training to clients on commercial, contractual and time-related issues.
- Write reports and support client representation in tribunals (including adjudication).
- Work collaboratively with solicitors and legal teams to provide expert support on construction disputes.
- Contribute to business development, including supporting proposals, strengthening client relationships and helping to grow service lines.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Around 10 years’ post-graduate experience, ideally from a Quantity Surveying background.
- Strong experience providing professional commercial and contractual advice within construction.
- Excellent knowledge of core QS duties, including variations, change management and cost control.
- Involvement in formal disputes (adjudication, arbitration, litigation) is advantageous.
- Confident and articulate, able to thrive in a client-facing role and communicate effectively at senior level.
- Strong working knowledge of NEC and JCT forms of contract is essential.
- Competent with Microsoft Office packages.
Qualifications/Educational Requirements
- Degree-qualified (or equivalent) preferred.
- RICS membership (or similar) and/or an MSc/LLM in Construction Law is desirable.
- Candidates actively working towards chartership and/or further qualifications may also be considered.
Employing Company Overview and Profile
The hiring company is a multi-disciplinary construction consultancy focused on risk analysis and mitigation, dispute avoidance, expert witness support, coaching and training, project management and commercial management. Since its formation, the business has built a strong and expanding client base and is well positioned to support clients nationwide through multiple UK office locations. The consultancy is led by a highly regarded senior management team who provide excellent guidance and support, with clear opportunities for long-term career development.
Freelance Associate Director – Commercial & Quantum in Sheffield employer: Maxim Recruitment
Join a well-respected claims and disputes consultancy in Sheffield, where you will be part of a dynamic team led by experienced professionals. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering opportunities for career advancement and exposure to diverse projects across various sectors. With a strong pipeline of work and a commitment to professional development, this role provides a meaningful and rewarding environment for those looking to make an impact in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Associate Director – Commercial & Quantum in Sheffield
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!
✨Network at Construction Events
Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.
✨Utilise Online Freelance Platforms
Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Associate Director – Commercial & Quantum in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Maxim Recruitment.
Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Maxim Recruitment know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maxim Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Project Portfolio
For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.
✨Pitch Your Rates and Work Style
As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Maxim Recruitment. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
