Director - Cost Management

Our client is a London consultancy that has spent eight years redefining client-side quantity surveying for people building bespoke, high-end homes. Its clients are discerning private individuals, and it works alongside some of the most respected residential architects and interior designers in the country.

What sets the business apart is Commercial Project Management. Rather than delivering QS outputs alone, the firm takes single-point responsibility for every commercial aspect of a project, as a trusted partner to the Client through the journey – from feasibility to end of defects – so the client stays in control without being overwhelmed. That ownership earns trust, repeat clients and a place on some of the most desirable projects in London.

The culture runs on four values – Integrity, Decisiveness, Clarity and Empowerment – and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement, including AI-enabled tools and workflows.

Why this role exists

The business is entering its next phase of growth. The Managing Director wants to step back from day-to-day project and team leadership to focus on strategy and business development, and expand into adjacent sectors such as hotels and wider development.

The Director will own the client relationships, project strategy and team that make the business what it is – and be a senior voice in where the business goes next. This is a rare chance to shape a premium boutique consultancy from the inside, not inherit a fixed role in a large one.

What you'll do

You will lead projects, lead people and help lead the business – accountable for client satisfaction, delivery, profitability and team performance across your portfolio.

Lead the client and the project

• Act as senior commercial lead and primary relationship owner on the most complex, high-value schemes.
• Know each client's vision, priorities and concerns, and view every piece of advice through their eyes.
• Set project strategy upfront and adapt it as the project evolves.
• Lead client and design team meetings, presentations and coordination.
• Quality-assure every report, cost plan and piece of advice before it leaves the business.

Own the full commercial picture

Beyond core QS and contract administration – cost planning, procurement, tendering, main contract terms, change control, valuations and final accounts – you will coordinate the specialists around the client:

• Consultant appointments, fee claims and payments
• Construction and home insurances, with brokers
• Contracts, warranties and NDAs, with legal input
• Debt funding and bank monitor requirements
• VAT reduced-rate processes and SPV structuring, with accountants and lawyers
• Third-party queries and claims on the client's behalf

Lead and grow the team

• Manage, coach and develop an established team of Senior and Project QSs.
• Plan resourcing across projects over the short, medium and long term.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, appraisals and training alongside the MD.
• Act as gatekeeper of the standards that set the business apart.

Shape the business

• Contribute to company strategy, quarterly goals and OKRs.
• Prepare fee proposals, build industry relationships and bring in new work for your team.
• Help open up adjacent markets, drawing on your own network and experience.
• Drive innovation in systems, software and AI-enabled workflows.

What you'll bring

Our client is looking for someone who can step in, own this role and free the MD's time from day one – not grow into it over several years.

Experience

• Associate, Associate Director or Director-level experience in client-side quantity surveying, cost management or commercially-focused project management.
• A strong track record on bespoke, high-end or prime residential projects; hotel, hospitality or luxury fit-out backgrounds will also be considered.
• Proven management of a team to hit business goals – not only directing support staff on a project – including senior QSs you can genuinely add value to.
• Deep knowledge of contracts, procurement and cost management, plus exposure to VAT, insurance, funding and SPVs (or the ability to learn fast).
• MRICS, or working towards it, is preferred, but not essential

Profile

• High emotional intelligence: calm, trusted and confident with demanding private clients in high-pressure moments.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication – you turn complexity into clear, simple advice.
• Decisive, solutions-focused and comfortable setting direction.
• Commercially astute about profitability, efficiency and resourcing.
• Entrepreneurial, and excited to help build a smaller, ambitious business.

Package, progression and environment

The reward grows with the team you build: base salary plus a genuine share of the profits your team generates.

• Profit share: 20% of profit above a base performance level goes to your team's pool, with the split agreed between you and the MD. The current team is already performing above that baseline.
• Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays, including a Christmas shutdown.
• Other benefits: pension scheme, RICS membership fees paid, laptop provided.
• Progression: pay rises as you grow the team, its profitability and the firm's reputation, tracked through clear KPIs and quarterly OKRs.

Where and how you'll work

The firm is based in a characterful office in South West London, with a small, close-knit team who share common values. The role is predominantly office-based, with flexibility. You will work directly with the MD, who invests in new tools, resources and strategy so the team can operate autonomously and to a best-in-class standard. Monthly team meetings and quarterly goal-setting keep everyone aligned.

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