At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-quality estimating and cost intelligence for major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, health support, and flexible hours for a balanced life.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that encourages authenticity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water and energy sectors while developing your career.
- Qualifications: MRICS or similar qualification with extensive experience in cost management.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About the Role
As an Associate Director within the Cost Intelligence and Estimating team, you will lead the delivery of high‑quality estimating, cost intelligence and benchmarking services for major programmes and projects across infrastructure and built environment sectors. You will provide technical leadership throughout the entire project lifecycle—from early‑stage strategic advice and business case development through to procurement support, cost planning and commercial management during delivery—helping clients make confident, evidence‑based investment decisions.
Responsibilities
- Lead complex commissions and deliver on time and within budget.
- Build trusted client relationships and shape, win new opportunities, and grow WSP’s presence in key markets and sectors.
- Provide strategic and managerial leadership across the full project lifecycle.
- Develop the team through line management, mentoring and technical guidance, ensuring high standards of delivery while supporting capability growth and the development of future talent.
Qualifications
- MRICS or similar commercial qualification.
- Demonstrable extensive experience in water or energy sectors, including estimating and benchmarking at various design stages, digital tools, procurement, and pre‑ and post‑contract cost and commercial management.
- Demonstrable management, project leadership and delivery experience in cost and/or commercial matters at senior level and/or in complex environments, including business case development, investment appraisal, or strategic cost advice at programme level.
- Ability to develop, mentor and grow a team.
- Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
Preferred (Optional) Skills
- Confident identification of growth opportunities and support or leadership of bids, proposals and work‑winning activities.
- Experience in either the water or energy sectors.
- Familiarity with specialist software such as CostX and CEMAR.
- Evidence of wider professional contribution through external recognition, networks or best practice development.
- Working knowledge/experience of NEC Contracts and other industry‑standard contract forms.
- Transferable experience across other regulated infrastructure markets.
Benefits
- Work‑life balance: Hybrid working policy offers flexibility to work from home two days a week while enabling collaboration in modern offices across the UK.
- Inclusivity & Belonging: A culture that welcomes applicants with varied backgrounds and encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
- Health & Wellbeing: Support through a Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, and comprehensive menopause support package.
- Flex your time: WSP My Hour allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time earlier or later.
- Flexibility in working arrangements: Part‑time, flexible working, option to purchase additional leave and the ability to use bank holiday entitlement as needed.
- Your development: Investment in training, mentoring, and chartership opportunities to foster professional growth.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
Associate Director - Cost Intelligence & Estimating - PMCM employer: WSP USA
WSP is an exceptional employer that prioritises work-life balance and inclusivity, offering a hybrid working policy that allows flexibility while fostering collaboration in modern offices across the UK. With a strong commitment to employee development through training and mentoring, as well as comprehensive health and wellbeing support, WSP creates an environment where professionals can thrive and grow their careers in the dynamic fields of infrastructure and built environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Cost Intelligence & Estimating - PMCM
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like WSP USA, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Associate Director - Cost Intelligence & Estimating - PMCM at WSP USA.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Cost Intelligence & Estimating - PMCM
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP USA
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
