At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-quality estimating and cost intelligence for major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering and environmental consultancy.
- Benefits: Work on iconic projects with opportunities for career growth and international collaboration.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to innovative solutions and sustainable futures.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while shaping your unique career path.
- Qualifications: MRICS or similar qualification with extensive experience in water or energy sectors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
WSP is one of the world's leading engineering and environmental professional services firms providing technical consultancy to the built and natural environment. We believe that for societies to thrive, we must all hold ourselves accountable for tomorrow. For us, that means creating innovative solutions to the challenges the future will bring to the communities and environments where we live and work across the UK. We are locally dedicated and propelled by international brainpower.
A little more about your role… As an Associate Director within our 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 across the full 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.
This role combines deep technical estimating expertise with strategic and managerial responsibility. You will be expected to lead complex commissions, build trusted client relationships, shape and win new opportunities, and grow WSP’s presence in key markets and sectors. You will also play a central role in developing our team through line management, mentoring and technical leadership, ensuring high standards of delivery while supporting capability growth and the development of future talent.
Your team will join a growing Cost Intelligence and Estimating team of quantity surveyors and estimators who provide specialist estimating, benchmarking and commercial insight across major infrastructure markets. We cover water, all forms of energy, rail, highways and aviation sectors and the built environment, where providing robust estimating capability, market understanding and client engagement are critical to winning and delivering work.
You will be part of our Project Management and Commercial Management Team (PMCM) – made up of approximately 500 colleagues across the UK. This team provides Quantity Surveying, Cost and Commercial Management, Programme and Project Management, and Project Controls services across both building and infrastructure projects for public and private sector clients. You will sit within our Civil Infrastructure and Utilities group, working with colleagues across complementary disciplines and drawing on the strength of WSP’s wider UK and global networks to support major client opportunities and strategic growth.
At WSP, you will get to work on iconic programmes and projects, plus develop and expand your career within a global company – one with international offices and access to reach back into our world-class, worldwide teams and markets.
We’d love to hear from you if you have:
- MRICS or similar commercial qualification
- Demonstrable extensive experience in water or energy sectors, including applicable knowledge, ability and experience with regard to 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
And while not essential, we’d be excited if you:
- Are confident in identifying growth opportunities and supporting or leading bids, proposals and work-winning activities
- Are experienced in either the water or energy sectors
- Possess familiarity with relevant specialist software such as CostX and CEMAR
- Evidence wider professional contribution through external recognition, networks or best practice development
- Hold working knowledge/experience of NEC Contracts and other industry-standard contract forms
- Have transferable experience across other regulated infrastructure markets
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team. Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.
Associate Director - Cost Intelligence & Estimating - PMCM in Bristol employer: WSP
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our team members enjoy access to global opportunities, professional development, and the chance to work on landmark projects that make a real difference in communities across the UK. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive environment, WSP is the perfect place for those looking to build a meaningful and rewarding career in the engineering and environmental sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Cost Intelligence & Estimating - PMCM in Bristol
✨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, 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.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Cost Intelligence & Estimating - PMCM in Bristol
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
✨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!
