Associate Director

Our client is an established and highly regarded consultancy delivering Quantity Surveying and Project Management services across the UK infrastructure sector. With a strong reputation for technical excellence, long‑term client relationships, and a collaborative culture, the business is now expanding its offering to include a dedicated Project Controls service line.

This role is a key strategic hire, working closely with the senior leadership team to broaden the consultancy's capabilities while maintaining the quality and trust it is known for.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an Associate Director of Project Controls to establish, lead, and grow its project controls capability from its Manchester HQ, ensuring close collaboration with senior leadership. This is a rare opportunity for a senior project controls professional to take ownership of a new service line​—shaping the offering, influencing strategy, and working with some of the UK’s most respected infrastructure clients.

Key Responsibilities

Service Line Leadership

• Lead the development of the Project Controls service line, including planning, cost control, risk, change, and performance reporting
• Define and implement standards, methodologies, and best practices aligned with major infrastructure programmes
• Act as the internal subject matter expert and senior point of contact for project controls

Client Delivery

• Provide senior‑level project controls support on complex infrastructure projects and programmes
• Lead or oversee delivery of programme planning and schedule management
• Integrated cost, performance, and earned value reporting
• Risk and change control frameworks
• Governance and executive‑level reporting
• Build strong, lasting relationships with key infrastructure clients

Business Development & Growth

• Work closely with Directors to develop and win new project controls opportunities
• Support bids, proposals, and client presentations
• Identify opportunities where project controls enhances and complements existing QS and PM commissions

Team Development

• Recruit, mentor, and grow a project controls team as the service line expands
• Champion collaboration between project controls, QS, and PM disciplines
• Support a positive, professional, and high‑performing culture

About You

You are a senior project controls professional who enjoys building, leading, and influencing, and who wants to play a visible role in shaping a growing consultancy offering.

Essential

• Strong experience delivering Project Controls within the infrastructure sector
• Proven leadership experience at Senior Manager / Associate Director level (or ready to step up)
• Excellent planning and controls capability (P6 and/or equivalent tools)
• Strong commercial awareness and client‑facing skills
• Ability to operate credibly with senior client stakeholders and internal leadership

Desirable

• Experience developing or growing a service line or function
• Exposure to major UK infrastructure programmes
• Chartered or working towards Chartership (e.g. APM, ICE, RICS)

Location & Working Style

North West based, ideally within commuting distance of Manchester. Close collaboration with senior leadership while supporting UK‑wide projects. Flexible, pragmatic approach to hybrid working.

Salary & Benefits

Circa £80,000, with flexibility for the right candidate. Bonus and comprehensive benefits package. Clear progression opportunity as the service line grows.

Why Join?

This is a genuine opportunity to take ownership of a new service line within an established infrastructure consultancy— not just delivering projects, but shaping strategy, building a team, and making a lasting impact on the business. You’ll be trusted, supported, and given the autonomy to build something meaningful, with direct access to decision‑makers and the space to do things properly.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

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