Senior Director - Head of Cost Management (UK & Ireland) - CK3507408

Description

You will lead the formation of a UK-based team while shaping strategy, service offering, and market presence across key commercial sectors throughout the UK & Ireland. This is a highly visible position, acting as both figurehead and ambassador for the Cost Management function internally and externally, with a strong emphasis on commercial, development-led projects and blue-chip client relationships.

The role sits within a well-established Project & Development Services platform and reports directly to the Regional Head of Project & Development Services. The successful candidate will have full accountability for building, leading, and scaling the Cost Management function, including people leadership, financial performance, and profitable growth.

• Lead key pursuits and priority bids, working closely with specialist bid and marketing teams.
• Champion a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with wider business objectives.
• Support the development of marketing and promotional materials to reinforce market positioning and brand strength.
• Build and maintain senior-level client relationships across the commercial sector.
• Establish and deliver the UK & Ireland Cost Management business plan in collaboration with senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Promote innovation, including adoption of AI and emerging technologies to enhance service delivery.
• Contribute to wider Project & Development Services financial targets and performance.
• Oversee resourcing across all grades, ensuring efficient deployment and capability alignment.
• Ownership of budgeting, profitability, productivity, billing, and cash collection.
• Lead excellence in complex commercial development projects, including:
• Own and manage pipeline data, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
• Build, lead, and develop a UK-based Cost Management team from inception, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Identify skills gaps and work with recruitment partners to attract, retain, and develop top-tier commercial talent.
• Represent the business at key industry events, conferences, and thought leadership forums.
• Provide clear leadership, direction, and advocacy for the Cost Management team across the wider organisation.
• Embed best practice, consistency, and thought leadership across the Cost Management team.
• Work closely with sector, service line, and regional leaders to identify and secure new commercial opportunities.
• Expand client relationships, market penetration, and service capability within the commercial development sector.
• Develop and execute a clear growth strategy for Cost Management across the UK & Ireland.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of sustainability, net zero carbon strategies, and their commercial application.
• Confident senior operator with excellent client-facing, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Experience gained within a consultancy and/or developer-led environment.
• Established reputation within the UK commercial development market, ideally with strong London presence.
• Full P&L responsibility for the UK & Ireland Cost Management business.
• Demonstrable experience delivering and executing growth strategies at a senior level.
• Highly commercial, with strong financial acumen and P&L leadership experience.
• Strong background delivering commercial sector projects, with exposure to complex development-led schemes.
• Proven track record leading and growing UK-based Cost Management teams.
• Strategic thinker, comfortable operating at board and executive level within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• MRICS-qualified Quantity Surveyor (essential).

Benefits

London - Total package £200-275k

We are seeking an exceptional candidate, as such, an equally exceptional remuneration package is on offer.

• Adaptive reuse
• Deep retrofit and sustainability-led schemes

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance