Associate Director - Cost Consultancy - Cities & Places

Mace; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace is recruiting a Lead Associate Director for the Cities and Places sector, based in Cardiff or Bristol. You will take full responsibility for cost management on large, complex commissions across private and public sectors, mentoring the cost team and driving new business.

You will shape procurement strategies, ensure value delivery, and uphold Mace's safety, quality and sustainability standards while collaborating with senior stakeholders and clients.

Qualifications

• Degree in quantity surveying or cost management is required.
• MRICS/RICS membership or progressing towards fellowship is expected.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen is essential.
• Knowledge of value engineering, life cycle costing and contract law is required.
• Experience leading large, diverse teams and managing senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver end-to-end cost management for large private and public sector commissions.
• Lead and develop the cost management team to high performance.
• Drive new business and strengthen client relationships.
• Champion ethical delivery and sustainability goals on projects.
• Mentor teams and foster innovation and continuous improvement.
• Manage procurement strategies from prequalification to contract award.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Cost management

Value engineering

Contract knowledge

Education

Degree in quantity surveying/cost management

MRICS/RICS

Job description

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

Mace is currently recruiting qualified Lead Associate Director for our Cities and Places sector team in Cardiff or Bristol, we shape everything from homes and schools to major MoJ programmes, offices and retail‑led commercial developments. Working with government and private‑sector clients, we create spaces that genuinely improve how people live, work and connect - building stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.

To perform as an Associate Director, you will take full responsibility for the end‑to‑end delivery of cost management services across large and complex commissions in both the private and public sectors. You will ensure client objectives are achieved through a value‑added, insight‑driven cost management service, while leading and developing the cost team to maintain high standards of performance. A key part of the role is to drive new business, strengthen existing client relationships, and proactively build connections that open up new opportunities within our client base and wider market.

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Managing with a safety-first mindset, ensuring compliance, quality, sustainability and wellbeing.
• Providing expert cost planning, estimating and cost management leadership.
• Driving effective procurement strategies from prequalification through to contract award.
• Delivering client-focused outcomes, achieving key project objectives and performance targets.
• Championing ethical delivery, net zero ambitions and Mace values across projects.
• Mentoring and developing teams, fostering innovation, continuous improvement and excellence.

You’ll Need To Have

• Degree in quantity surveying/cost management (or equivalent)
• Professional membership i.e. MRICS/RICS (or equivalent) and moving towards fellowship or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Sound knowledge of value engineering, life cycle costing, contract law and contractual frameworks relating to construction.
• Leadership and management experience of large, diverse teams.
• Experience of managing relationships with key senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable with-in the role.