Associate Director Quantity Surveying

Vertical Recruitment is working with an established construction consultancy looking to appoint an Associate Director within its Quantity Surveying and Cost Management team in Manchester.

The business has a strong reputation for delivering complex and high-value projects across the built environment, working with a broad range of private and public sector clients.

Its portfolio spans residential developments, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), higher education, life sciences, hotels and leisure, providing a varied mix of projects across both established and emerging markets.

This is an opportunity for an experienced Quantity Surveyor who enjoys working closely with clients, leading projects and playing a wider role in developing a consultancy's presence in the North West.

Alongside overseeing the delivery of cost management commissions, you'll be responsible for managing and developing client relationships, identifying new opportunities and supporting the continued growth of the Manchester team.

The Role

As Associate Director, you'll take responsibility for leading Quantity Surveying commissions from early feasibility and cost planning through to procurement, construction and final account.

The position combines technical delivery, commercial oversight, client relationship management and business development, working closely with senior leadership and the wider consultancy team.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading Quantity Surveying and Cost Management commissions across residential, PBSA, higher education, life sciences, hospitality and leisure developments.

• Providing strategic cost advice throughout the full project lifecycle, from initial feasibility through to project completion.

• Overseeing cost planning, estimating, procurement, tendering, contract administration and final account negotiations.

• Managing existing client relationships, acting as a trusted commercial adviser and identifying opportunities for repeat business.

• Developing new relationships across the North West market, helping to generate opportunities and secure new commissions.

• Supporting business development activity, including client meetings, fee proposals, tenders and wider work-winning initiatives.

• Leading and mentoring Quantity Surveyors, providing technical guidance and supporting their professional development.

• Maintaining commercial oversight of projects, including fees, resources, profitability and delivery performance.

• Working alongside the senior management team to support the development and growth of the Manchester cost management offering.

About You

We're looking for an experienced Quantity Surveyor with a strong consultancy background who is comfortable combining project delivery with client relationship management and business development.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• Significant experience within a Quantity Surveying or multidisciplinary construction consultancy, operating at Associate, Associate Director or a comparable senior level.

• Chartered status with the RICS (MRICS or FRICS).

• A strong track record of managing cost management commissions independently across the full project lifecycle.

• Experience across one or more of the following sectors: residential, PBSA, higher education, life sciences, hotels or leisure.

• Strong technical knowledge of cost planning, procurement, contract administration and commercial management.

• Established client-facing experience, with the ability to build and maintain long-term professional relationships.

• Commercial awareness and an interest in developing new business, securing repeat commissions and contributing to wider growth.

• Experience managing and developing junior members of a Quantity Surveying team.

An existing network within the North West property and construction market would be advantageous, particularly for someone interested in contributing to new business opportunities.

The Opportunity

This position offers the chance to take on a senior role within an established international consultancy, with the support and resources of a wider business alongside the opportunity to influence its continued development in Manchester.

You'll have the autonomy to lead your own commissions, build long-term client relationships and contribute to the growth of the cost management team.

The role would suit an established Associate Director or an experienced Associate looking to take the next step, particularly someone who enjoys the commercial and relationship-building aspects of consultancy alongside project delivery