Associate Director - Cost Intelligence & Estimating - PMCM

WSP; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Thrive programme

Virtual GP

Gymflex benefits

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Associate Director in Cost Intelligence and Estimating to lead high‑quality estimating and benchmarking for major infrastructure programmes. You will provide technical leadership across the project lifecycle and drive client relationships across UK markets.

The role combines deep estimating expertise with strategic and managerial responsibility, developing teams, winning opportunities and delivering robust cost advice for major programmes.

Qualifications

• MRICS or similar commercial qualification.
• Extensive experience in water or energy sectors with estimating and benchmarking.
• Senior level management and delivery in cost/commercial matters.
• Ability to mentor and grow a team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of estimating, cost intelligence and benchmarking services.
• Provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle.
• Lead complex commissions, shape opportunities and grow market presence.
• Develop the team through mentoring and technical leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Cost estimating

Benchmarking

Client relationship management

Team mentoring

Strategic cost advice

Communication

Education

MRICS or similar commercial qualification

Tools

CostX

CEMAR

Job description

• Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
• London, United Kingdom
• Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

WSP is one of the world's leading engineering and environmental professional services firms providing technical consultancy to the built and natural environment. We believe that for societies to thrive, we must all hold ourselves accountable for tomorrow. For us, that means creating innovative solutions to the challenges the future will bring to the communities and environments where we live and work across the UK.

We are locally dedicated and propelled by international brainpower.We are technical experts and strategic advisors, including engineers, technicians, scientists, planners, surveyors, geo-science and environmental specialists, as well as other design, programme and construction management professionals. Our experts influence and design sustainable lasting solutions in the property & buildings, transportation & infrastructure, earth & environment, industry and power & energy sectors as well as project delivery and strategic consulting services.

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

WSP is one of the world's leading engineering and environmental professional services firms providing technical consultancy to the built and natural environment. We believe that for societies to thrive, we must all hold ourselves accountable for tomorrow. For us, that means creating innovative solutions to the challenges the future will bring to the communities and environments where we live and work across the UK.

We are locally dedicated and propelled by international brainpower.We are technical experts and strategic advisors, including engineers, technicians, scientists, planners, surveyors, geo-science and environmental specialists, as well as other design, programme and construction management professionals. Our experts influence and design sustainable lasting solutions in the property & buildings, transportation & infrastructure, earth & environment, industry and power & energy sectors as well as project delivery and strategic consulting services.

A little more about your role…

As an Associate Director within our Cost Intelligence and Estimating team, you will lead the delivery of high-quality estimating, cost intelligence and benchmarking services for major programmes and projects across infrastructure and built environment sectors. You will provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, from early-stage strategic advice and business case development through to procurement support, costplanningand commercial management during delivery, helping clients make confident, evidence-based investment decisions.

This role combines deep technical estimatingexpertisewith strategic and managerial responsibility. You will be expected to lead complex commissions, build trusted client relationships, shape and win new opportunities, and grow WSP’s presence in key markets and sectors. You will also playa central rolein developing our team through line management, mentoring and technical leadership, ensuringhigh standardsof delivery while supporting capability growth and the development of future talent.

Your team

You will join a growing Cost Intelligence and Estimating team of quantity surveyors and estimators whoprovidespecialist estimating, benchmarking and commercial insight across major infrastructure markets.We cover water, all forms of energy, rail, highways and aviation sectors and the built environment,whereprovidingrobust estimating capability, market understanding and client engagement are critical to winning and delivering work.

You will be part of our Project Management and Commercial Management Team (PMCM) – made up of approximately 500 colleagues across the UK. This team provides Quantity Surveying, Cost and Commercial Management, Programme and Project Management, and Project Controls services across both building and infrastructure projects for public and private sector clients. You will sit within our Civil Infrastructure and Utilities group, working with colleagues across complementary disciplines and drawing on the strength of WSP’s wider UK and global networks to support major client opportunities and strategic growth.

At WSP, you will get to work on iconic programmes and projects, plusdevelopand expand your career within a global company – one with international offices and access to reach back into our world-class, worldwide teams and markets.

We’d love to hear from you if you have

• MRICS or similar commercial qualification
• Demonstrable extensive experience in water or energy sectors, including applicable knowledge, ability and experience with regard to estimating and benchmarking at various design stages, digital tools, procurement, and pre- and post-contract cost and commercial management
• Demonstrable management, project leadership and delivery experience in cost and/or commercial matters at senior level and/or in complex environments, including business case development, investment appraisal, or strategic cost advice at programme level
• Ability to develop, mentor and grow a team
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

And while not essential, we’d be excited if you:

• Are confident in identifying growth opportunities and supporting or leading bids, proposals and work-winning activities
• Are experienced in either the water or energy sectors
• Possess familiarity with relevant specialist software such as CostX and CEMAR
• Evidence wider professional contribution through external recognition, networks or best practice development
• Hold working knowledge/experience of NEC Contracts and other industry-standard contract forms
• Have transferable experience across other regulated infrastructure markets

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

Job Info

• Job Identification 90023
• Posting Date 06/29/2026, 11:45 AM

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.