At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex cost management projects and mentor junior team members.
- Company: Join a leading global real estate consultancy with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, private healthcare, and flexible working.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence regional growth in life sciences, healthcare, and education sectors.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing office and advance your career towards Director level.
- Qualifications: Significant cost management experience and strong client relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Tempest Jones is supporting a leading global real estate and infrastructure consultancy with the appointment of an Associate Director into its growing Oxford cost management team. Following the opening of its Oxford office and the appointment of an experienced Regional Cost Director, the business is now looking for a senior cost management professional to act as their number 2 in the region. This is a genuine growth appointment, offering the opportunity to help scale the team, strengthen client relationships and shape the continued development of the Oxford business.
The Opportunity
As Associate Director, you will lead the delivery of complex cost management commissions while working closely with the Regional Cost Director to grow the local team and client base. The role will focus on sectors that are central to the Oxford market, including life sciences, healthcare, education, research and development, laboratories, advanced manufacturing and other technically complex environments. You will provide strategic commercial and cost management advice throughout the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility and business case development through procurement, construction and final account. Alongside project delivery, you will support client development, bids, work winning, recruitment and the development of junior team members.
Key responsibilities:
- Act as the senior number 2 to the Regional Cost Director
- Lead the cost management and commercial delivery of key commissions
- Provide strategic cost advice throughout the full project lifecycle
- Manage cost planning, procurement, change control, forecasting and final accounts
- Build and develop relationships with clients and regional stakeholders
- Support bids, proposals and the conversion of new opportunities
- Identify opportunities to grow existing client accounts
- Mentor and develop Cost Managers and Senior Cost Managers
- Support recruitment and the continued growth of the Oxford team
The Candidate
We are interested in speaking with established Associate Directors and strong Associates/Senior Cost Managers who are ready to take the next step. You will ideally bring:
- Significant cost management experience within a recognised consultancy
- Chartered status with the RICS or an equivalent professional body
- Experience across both pre contract and post contract delivery
- The ability to lead complex commissions independently
- Strong client facing and stakeholder management skills
- Experience managing and developing junior colleagues
- An interest in business development and regional growth
- Experience of the Oxford market would be highly advantageous, particularly where this includes relationships with local clients, universities, institutions, developers or consultants.
- Candidates without direct Oxford experience may also be considered where they bring strong sector experience across life sciences, healthcare, education, research, laboratories, advanced manufacturing or similarly complex projects.
- Experience across every sector is not required, but candidates should bring credible expertise within at least 1 relevant market.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This role offers the chance to join a growing office at an important stage of its development and play a visible role in shaping its future. You will work directly with the Regional Cost Director, supported by an established national business, dedicated bid and marketing resources, strong client relationships and expertise from across the wider organisation. It could particularly suit someone who has developed strong technical and client management capability but is finding their current platform limits their ability to grow a team, win larger commissions or progress towards Director level. The successful candidate will have a clear opportunity to build their profile within the region and progress towards a future Cost Director position.
The Package
The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, expected to include:
- Car allowance
- Performance related bonus
- Private healthcare + large benefits package
- Pension contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Structured learning and development
- Clear progression towards Director level
For a confidential discussion, please apply today or contact Dean Forster at Tempest Jones.
Associate Director Cost Management - Life Sciences/Healthcare/Education/R&D employer: Tempest Jones
Tempest Jones is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets excellence in the healthcare construction sector. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to delivering impactful projects, team members enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. Located in the UK, our collaborative culture fosters creativity and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful contribution to major healthcare initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Cost Management - Life Sciences/Healthcare/Education/R&D
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Associate Director Cost Management - Life Sciences/Healthcare/Education/R&D at Tempest Jones!
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Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Tempest Jones or be willing to refer you for that Associate Director Cost Management - Life Sciences/Healthcare/Education/R&D position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Tempest Jones who’s on the lookout for their next Associate Director Cost Management - Life Sciences/Healthcare/Education/R&D star!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Associate Director Cost Management - Life Sciences/Healthcare/Education/R&D role at Tempest Jones!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Cost Management - Life Sciences/Healthcare/Education/R&D
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Tempest Jones. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tempest Jones
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Tempest Jones. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
