Project Director - Cost Management - Data Centres

Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global property consultancy is seeking an experienced Project Director in Cost Management to oversee data centre projects from their Manchester office. This role involves leading commercial management, ensuring project delivery on time and within budget, and expanding services through new client opportunities. Strong leadership skills and extensive experience in cost management within the critical facilities sector are essential. The position enables flexible working arrangements and offers a highly competitive salary.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Assistance Programme

Career development opportunities

Global travel scholarship programme

Qualifications

• Extensive cost management experience in the data centre sector.
• Proven track record of leading strategic accounts effectively.
• Exceptional client-facing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial management for multiple projects.
• Drive service expansion and identify opportunities.
• Coach and mentor a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Chartered or near-chartered QS

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

People leadership

Education

HNC, HND or Degree in Quantity Surveying / Cost Management

Job description

Project Director - Cost Management - Data Centres

• Project Director level
• Manchester (Hybrid working, mixture of home, office and client sites)
• Permanent
• Full-time with flexible working and core hours

Gleeds is a leading global property and construction consultancy. Independent since 1875, we are proud to deliver award-winning projects around the world. We are a Great Place to work accredited employer, with our people at the heart of everything we do.

Gleeds Data Centres is recruiting for an experienced Project Director in Cost Management / Quantity Surveying to lead delivery for one of our most important data centre clients from our Manchester office. You will be accountable for ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality while growing our service offer and building a high performing team.

Your day to day will be varied depending on the project you are working on; this will keep you challenged and engaged in the work we deliver however some key responsibilities that will always remain constant are:

• Lead end to end commercial management for a strategic account across multiple projects, ensuring contractual compliance and commercial controls.
• Drive service expansion by identifying new opportunities, developing proposals, and securing additional scope with the client.
• Coach, mentor, and empower a multidisciplinary team to lift performance, retain talent, and embed best practice cost and risk management.
• Maintain robust client relationships as the primary point of contact, representing Gleeds’ technical and commercial credibility.
• Implement processes and reporting that improve transparency, forecasting, and decision making across the account.

Who we are looking for:

Experience, Knowledge and Key Skills

• Chartered or near-chartered QS with extensive cost management experience in the data centre or critical facilities sector.
• Ideally HNC, HND or Degree qualified in a Quantity Surveying / Cost Management, Construction Law, or similar / relevant discipline, or in some case applicants with an alternative background (e.g.: Engineering) may be considered.
• Proven track record of leading strategic accounts and delivering complex programmes.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and client-facing gravitas.
• Excellent people leader with a focus on development, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What we can offer you in return

• Clear opportunities to develop and grow your career through training and further qualifications
• Fantastic networking opportunities to grow your personal brand and expand your understanding of the industry
• Generous holiday allowance plus the option to purchase additional days through the holiday purchase scheme.
• Highly competitive salary and the opportunity to increase this through continuous reviews
• Employee Assistance Programme to ensure your health and personal well-being comes first
• Our global travel scholarship programme gives you the unique opportunity to gain global experience
• Flexible working arrangements to ensure you have a healthy work-life balance
• Volunteering opportunities to engage with your local community or charitable organisations
• Unparalleled support from central teams and a company that is recognised as a Great Place to Work.

About us

Gleeds is a global property and construction consultancy with over 150 years of expertise, operating in 28 countries worldwide. From iconic landmarks to critical infrastructure, we drive innovation, sustainability and value, delivering transformative projects that shape communities and redefine the built environment.