Associate Director – Cost Management (Project Controls)
Responsibilities
* Support the development and delivery of the business plan for the Cost Management team.
* Manage and plan resources, foster a collaborative, professional and positive working environment.
* Drive business growth and work with key strategic partners, new clients and internal partners across the business.
* Deliver multiple commissions, support recruitment of high‑calibre individuals, and mentor the team.
* Stimulate profitable growth, act as a mentor, and drive performance forward.
* Grow the existing team, build long‑term sustainable relationships with complex infrastructure clients.
* Enhance Cost Management capability, including leadership in Power‑BI, PRISM, Oracle and other software.
* Lead the community of practice, drive technical excellence, service innovation and benchmarking.
* Unlock talent and develop the next generation of leaders.
* Deliver excellent client service on commissions through quality assurance and regular client care.
* Mentor and support teams on project and technical delivery.
* Develop and deliver the strategy for the Cost Management Service, identifying continuous development opportunities.
* Identify strategic recruitment opportunities and associated investments aligned with the business strategy.
* Engage with the wider AtkinsRéalis business and monitor progress against targets.
* Identify risks and provide solutions to achieve successful business outcomes.
* Support business‑development activities, reviewing Key Account Management Plans for key clients.
* Monitor and manage Cost Management activity and associated expenditure.
* Generate high‑quality leadership material for use on the website and in the market.
* Secure year‑on‑year margin improvement on project delivery and further develop offshore capability.
* Monitor and control compliance with key metrics: project health checks, risk register, PSR completion, timesheets.
* Support account‑management teams to maximise impact, enhance reputation, increase client spend and cross‑sell services.
* Lead interfaces with design and engineering elements of the business.
* Upskill others and provide career‑growth opportunities.
* Drive high levels of client satisfaction and handle commercial accountability.
* Provide leadership in directing and managing project teams for highways, rail and other infrastructure sectors.
* Chair meetings, provide technical advice, and interface with engineering teams.
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of legal and technical matters relevant to the geography of practice.
* Apply quality assurance and environmental management principles and manage client relationships and service delivery.
Qualifications
* Experience in Cost Management services across complex infrastructure (rail, highways, water, aviation).
* People‑management experience with ability to inspire, motivate teams and unlock talent.
* Excellent understanding of industry benchmarks, best practices, cost and work‑breakdown structures.
* Strong network within energy and transport infrastructure sectors.
* Proven track record of service innovation, technical excellence and exceptional delivery.
* Technical ability to monitor, analyse and control cost performance against targets.
* Leadership and technical capability to challenge engineering teams and identify cost‑efficient design solutions.
* Collaboration skills and expertise to interface with project‑control professionals (schedule logic, risk exposure).
* Commercial/quantity surveying or finance skills; working knowledge of NEC/FIDIC contracts and standard NEC forms.
* Expertise in Earned Value Management (EVM) and similar techniques.
* Experience with major project/programme delivery and supervision for local or national complex infrastructure clients.
* Degree qualified in construction, finance or related field; favourable to have RICS, ICE, AACE, ACostE or similar.
Benefits
* Competitive salaries, employee rewards and a range of benefits tailored to health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices.
* Extensive training and professional development opportunities to grow skills and expertise.
* Hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances for a balanced work‑life.
Security Clearance
This role may require security clearance. You will be asked to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or more if required. The vetting process is delivered by UKSV.
Equal Opportunities
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. We are Disability Confident and will offer interviews to suitable applicants. All applicants will be treated fairly and with respect.
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