Associate Cost Consultant

Associate Cost Consultant – Manchester

Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

We are seeking an ambitious Associate Cost Consultant to join our thriving North West commercial team. If you excel in delivering service excellence, have a client‑centric approach, and embrace new challenges, we invite you to help shape the future of our business. You will play a key role in major Residential, Commercial, and Sports & Leisure projects, including one of the largest in the region, working in partnership with our Senior Commercial Director.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the delivery of high‑value, complex programmes and contribute to our continued growth and innovation.

• Project Leadership & Client Engagement
  • Lead cost management assignments from inception to completion, ensuring projects (£10m–£100m+) are delivered to the highest standards.
  • Serve as main client contact, fostering trusted relationships and identifying opportunities to enhance client value.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement experience with proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Technical Excellence
  • Proficient understanding of core procurement and contract options.
  • Prepare and present detailed cost reports, cash‑flow forecasts, and financial analysis to clients.
  • Manage post‑contract change control, including Loss & Expense and claims.
  • Undertake assessment of works completed for applications for payment and issue interim valuation recommendations.
  • Develop and manage construction budgets, ensuring costs are controlled and remain within established financial parameters.
  • Monitor budgets, proactively manage changes, including project risk registers, change trackers, and contingencies.
• Cost Planning & Analysis
  • Conduct accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including measurement and consideration of all project factors.
  • Prepare and deliver cost plans.
  • Use specialist tools and techniques for cost estimating, data gathering, and management (e.g., CostX, BIM, Excel, Power BI).
  • Analyse and evaluate the financial impact of design changes, recommending cost‑effective solutions.
  • Undertake market testing of costs, liaising with specialist subcontractors and suppliers.
  • Develop plans to bridge gaps identified through benchmarking exercises.
• Team Support & Innovation
  • Support and manage internal teams and resources, coaching colleagues to drive continuous improvement.
  • Ensure full compliance with contractual requirements, project scope, and best practice standards.
  • Analyse complex data to inform decision‑making, using industry‑leading digital tools and methodologies.
  • Champion innovation and service enhancement, adopting new technologies and promoting sustainable solutions.
  • Act as a technical expert in cost/commercial management, providing guidance across multiple sectors.
  • Demonstrate a positive mindset and willingness to be a focal point of the team.
  • Commit to ongoing professional development and knowledge sharing.
  • Hybrid Working between Site/Office/Home.

• Chartered professional (MRICS), with significant cost and commercial management experience, including delivery of medium/large projects (£1 m–£100 m+) across the full project lifecycle.
• Experience managing people, with the ability to motivate and develop others.
• Proven track record in building and managing client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of organisational dynamics.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Quantity Surveying, Construction Management) or equivalent professional experience.
• Relevant professional qualification or chartered status.
• Proficient in digital cost management tools (e.g., CostX, CATO, Excel, Power BI) and an understanding of…