Associate Director - Cost Consultancy (Birmingham)

We are working with a leading international real estate consultancy that is looking to appoint an Associate Director within its Cost Consultancy team in Birmingham. The team provides cost advice on some of the UK's most strategically important developments, with a growing emphasis on whole-life cost planning and carbon reduction.

With a strong focus on residential, Build to Rent, PBSA and related sectors, this role will play a key part in winning and delivering work across the West Midlands. Due to continued success, the business is seeking an Associate Director to lead and grow the regional commercial team from its Birmingham office.

Reporting directly to the Regional Director, you will be an integral part of a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team, using the latest technology to deliver best-in-class cost advice to clients and design colleagues. You will lead the delivery of large residential projects, manage and develop the Cost Management team in the West Midlands, and support the operational and strategic growth of the business.

This is an excellent opportunity to establish yourself as a trusted advisor, overseeing a team of Cost Managers on existing projects while helping to expand the consultancy's presence in the property sector as part of a key growth initiative within the Project & Cost Management business.

The Role

• Lead and manage a team of Cost Managers across the West Midlands

• Deliver full cost management services across major residential and mixed-sector projects

• Act as Employer's Agent and/or Contract Administrator where required

• Lead cost planning, value engineering and risk workshops

• Develop cost plans for complex projects using CostX (or similar)

• Advise design teams on cost implications of design options

• Support business development and business planning activities

• Provide strategic procurement advice to clients

• Oversee construction-stage cost management and reporting

• Manage monthly P&L reporting

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and contractors

About You

• Full membership of RICS or CIOB, or 10+ years' relevant sector experience

• Proven experience delivering major projects valued at £50m+

• Strong background in residential, BTR, PBSA or similar sectors

• Experience with NEC3/4 and JCT contracts preferred

• Proficient in CostX or similar estimating software, ideally with Revit models

• Confident leading client meetings and presenting cost reports at senior level

• Demonstrated leadership capability with a collaborative working style

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines

• Good working knowledge of Excel, Project and Word

• Full UK driving licence

• Willing to undertake SC-level security clearance if required

Working Arrangements

Flexible working is actively supported, with options including reduced hours, flexible start and finish times, or compressed hours, enabling a healthy work/life balance.