Associate Cost Manager in Manchester

Sector: Data Centres

Discipline: Cost Management

Location: London or another RLB UK office (Hybrid Working) + Monthly Trip to Milan

Reporting To: Senior Associate / Partner

Why RLB?

At RLB, we live by four simple ideas: Truth, Trust, Together, Tomorrow. Four values that live at the heart of RLB. A place where People Make Progress. We value your skills, talents and unique perspectives – we think they are priceless. Bring them to RLB and you’ll be empowered to shape our future and your career in new and meaningful ways. We’ll give you opportunities to work on some of the most ambitious and exciting projects currently being designed and developed in the built environment sector. You’ll continue to learn and advance as everyone who works for us is provided with a tailored training programme. Our mentoring and reverse mentoring schemes will enable you to share your expertise while gaining fresh insights.

What makes RLB unique is our inclusive culture. As an independent, employee-owned business, teamwork and collaboration lies at the heart of everything we do. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies are just some of the ways we invest in employee wellbeing. Join us and you will thrive personally as well as professionally.

Introduction to Advanced Technologies & Data Centre Team

Rider Levett Bucknall’s Advanced Technologies & Data Centre (DC) Team is one of the UK’s leading independent multi-disciplinary consultancies, supporting clients in the successful planning, procurement, delivery and operation of critical Data Centre infrastructure across some of the UK and Europe’s most complex and interesting projects. Our team works across the full project lifecycle, providing specialist expertise from initial feasibility throughout the lifecycle of the project through to completion working with Hyperscale and Co-Location Developers, and End-User Customers. What sets us apart is our genuinely integrated approach. Rather than operating as individual disciplines, our professionals work collaboratively across three complementary service pillars to provide clients with seamless support throughout every stage of a project. This collaborative approach allows us to solve complex challenges quickly, share knowledge across disciplines and provide resilient support throughout the project delivery.

Working as part of our DC Centre of Excellence, the role will include:

• Providing strategic commercial advice
• Driving efficient procurement strategies
• Contract administration
• Cost Management through all RIBA Stages
• Change Management and driving commercial efficiencies
• Commercial Assurance and accurate cost forecasting
• Financial governance from early project development through to final accounts

We pride ourselves on driving and supporting growth and development of the individuals within our team to empower you with a clear path for career progression with RLB. As our team continues to grow, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive and collaborative culture where individuals are encouraged to learn from one another, develop new skills and work across disciplines. Whether supporting a colleague on a technical challenge, assisting with commercial strategy or helping deliver a critical programme milestone, we operate as one team with a shared objective of delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.

Joining RLB’s Advanced Technologies & Data Centre Team means becoming part of a high-performing, ambitious and supportive business that is helping shape the future of the UK’s critical infrastructure while offering genuine opportunities for professional development, career progression and exposure to some of the industry’s most exciting and technically challenging projects.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced individual to work alongside our existing Data Centre team on large scale projects in UK & Europe. The individual will have strong communication skills and will be liaising directly with the client team on a daily basis. They will also be proactive in their delivery with a strong level of autonomy and attention to detail.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the successful delivery of Data Centre projects, taking responsibility for all aspects of project performance and outcomes
• Leadership capabilities across people, projects and business activities.
• Build and develop strong client relationships, contributing to work winning and new business opportunities.
• Line management responsibilities and supporting the career development of team members.
• Demonstrated experience to manage a project and liaise with clients, and external consultants during all phases of the project.
• Carry out assigned duties efficiently and in accordance with processes and procedures.
• Comply with established Commercial, Procurement, Contractual strategies.
• Take personal responsibility for complying with Environmental, Health, Safety, Security and Quality Standards.
• Cost Planning including preparation of indicative cost budgets and appraisals and preparation of elemental cost plans.
• Knowledge of various procurement strategies with the strength to articulate pros and cons of each and determine the most suitable route for the project and/or client specific needs.
• Running a tender process including managing queries from tendering contractors, leading the recommendation to a preferred contractor factoring all relevant commercial considerations to advise a suitable value for money solution.
• Experience in both Pre and Post Contract Quantity Surveying, including cost planning throughout the RIBA stages, tendering and procurement, post-contract management, change management, reporting, risk and contingency management.
• Supporting formal dispute resolution process and contract close out strategy as required.
• Experience specifically in the Data Centre with relation to the responsibilities outlined above.
• Collate and maintain benchmark and market insight reports for the DC sector specifically, with consideration to trends in local dedicated markets.
• Effectively manage a range of internal and external stakeholders to represent RLB and the RLB team both in terms of project delivery and general engagement.
• Experience specifically in other Advanced Technologies sector (such as healthcare or similar) with relation to the responsibilities outlined above.
• Actively use and comply with all systems and processes, supporting continual improvement process compliance and governance.
• Contribute to the financial performance of projects and the wider business, including revenue and profitability.
• Promote efficiency, effectiveness and best practice across projects and teams.
• Keep up to date with current thinking and best practice within the industry.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or similar technical discipline.
• MRICS or membership of other relevant professional body.

Experience

• Strong technical delivery experience delivering CSA and / or MEP (Mechanical & Electrical) packages for Data Centre projects is preferred. However, strong candidates with experience in other (non-DC) sectors will also be considered.
• Previously employed by a consultancy, general contractor or end user client.
• Stakeholder management with a clear focus on developing client accounts.
• Demonstrable leadership capabilities across people, projects and business.

RLB Employee Benefits

Our culture is built around enabling you to fulfil your potential, so you can look forward to benefits that include:

• Hybrid Working - Working patterns to support your work-life balance. As well as competitive maternity and paternity packages.
• Well-Rewarded - A competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement. As well as the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days.
• Focus On Wellbeing - We offer a number of health and wellness options, including gym membership and cycle to work schemes.
• Healthcare Packages - Private healthcare insurance and medical support, including dental insurance and eyecare vouchers.
• Personal Development - A continuous learning and development programme, including established APC and in-house mentoring schemes.
• Additional Benefits - We offer a wide range of benefits including a season ticket loan and professional membership subscriptions.
• Exceptional Exposure - You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different sectors and regions.
• Social Responsibility - We hold team and social events as well as charity fundraising and volunteering activities.

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment

We believe in building a diverse and inclusive environment where each person can be themselves, feel valued for their contribution and be challenged and supported to reach their full potential. We have a responsibility to support the communities in which we live and work, and that our workforce should reflect these communities and our clients. Our talent strategy should enable us to overcome bias in the construction industry by recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during any stage of the application or interview process, please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@uk.rlb.com