Associate Cost Manager

Conrad Consulting Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Conrad Consulting Ltd. is seeking an experienced Associate Quantity Surveyor to join its cost management team in Reading.

This senior role offers responsibility for project delivery, client relationships and business growth across education, residential, hospitality and industrial sectors. You will lead cost planning, estimating and procurement, advise on procurement strategies, tendering and contract documentation, and manage budgets, valuations and final accounts.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or a relevant discipline.
• Extensive experience in a construction consultancy environment.
• Knowledge of pre- and post-contract cost management and JCT contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost planning, estimating and procurement across projects.
• Advise on procurement strategies, tendering and contractual arrangements.
• Oversee tender analysis, contract documentation and contractor appointments.
• Manage project budgets, cost reporting, valuations, variations and final accounts.
• Act as key client contact, providing commercial advice throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mentor graduates and junior team members; support their development.

Skills

Cost planning

Procurement strategies

Tender analysis

Client relationship

Mentoring juniors

Business development

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

Job description

Conrad Consulting is seeking an experienced Associate Quantity Surveyor to join a well-established construction consultancy's cost management team in Reading.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven professional to take a senior role in project delivery, develop key client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of a collaborative team.

You'll work on projects valued between £1m and £50m across education, residential, hospitality and industrial sectors, with responsibility for delivering high-quality cost management services and supporting junior colleagues.

The Role

• Lead cost planning, estimating and procurement activities across a range of projects.
• Advise clients on procurement strategies, tendering and contractual arrangements.
• Oversee tender analysis, contract documentation and contractor appointments.
• Manage project budgets, cost reporting, valuations, variations and final accounts.
• Act as a key client contact, providing commercial advice throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build and develop existing client relationships while identifying new business opportunities.
• Mentor graduates and junior team members, supporting their professional development.
• Contribute to the success and continued development of the wider cost management team.

About You

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or a relevant discipline.
• Extensive experience in a construction consultancy environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of pre- and post-contract cost management.
• Sound understanding of JCT contracts and procurement strategies.
• Excellent commercial awareness, negotiation and client relationship skills.
• Experience leading projects and supporting junior colleagues.
• A proactive, professional approach to business development and team collaboration.

MRICS would be advantageous but is not essential.

What's on Offer?

• A senior position with responsibility for project delivery and client relationships.
• Exposure to a varied portfolio of projects valued up to £50m.
• The opportunity to mentor junior staff and contribute to team growth.
• Career development within an established consultancy.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.