Associate Director - Cost Intelligence & Estimating - PMCM

About the Role

As an Associate Director within the 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 throughout the entire project lifecycle—from early‑stage strategic advice and business case development through to procurement support, cost planning and commercial management during delivery—helping clients make confident, evidence‑based investment decisions.

• Lead complex commissions and deliver on time and within budget.
• Build trusted client relationships and shape, win new opportunities, and grow WSP’s presence in key markets and sectors.
• Provide strategic and managerial leadership across the full project lifecycle.
• Develop the team through line management, mentoring and technical guidance, ensuring high standards of delivery while supporting capability growth and the development of future talent.

• MRICS or similar commercial qualification.
• Demonstrable extensive experience in water or energy sectors, including 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.

• Confident identification of growth opportunities and support or leadership of bids, proposals and work‑winning activities.
• Experience in either the water or energy sectors.
• Familiarity with specialist software such as CostX and CEMAR.
• Evidence of wider professional contribution through external recognition, networks or best practice development.
• Working knowledge/experience of NEC Contracts and other industry‑standard contract forms.
• Transferable experience across other regulated infrastructure markets.

Work‑life balance
:
Hybrid working policy offers flexibility to work from home two days a week while enabling collaboration in modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging
: A culture that welcomes applicants with varied backgrounds and encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.

Health & Wellbeing
:
Support through a Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, and comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time
: WSP My Hour allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time earlier or later.

Flexibility in working arrangements
:
Part‑time, flexible working, option to purchase additional leave and the ability to use bank holiday entitlement as needed.

Your development
:
Investment in training, mentoring, and chartership opportunities to foster professional growth.

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.