The Delivery Manager / Associate Practice Director is a highly experienced and specialized professional responsible for overseeing and managing the cost estimation functions for complex and high-stakes projects. This role requires advanced knowledge and skills to lead client projects or functional teams, manage critical resources, navigate intricate negotiations, and address high-risk issues. This position serves as a key point of reference for peers, interpreting complex client or functional technical issues and recommending best practices.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategy:
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the cost estimation team, aligning project control activities with organizational goals.
- Develop and implement cost estimation processes, tools, and best practices to improve project delivery and performance.
- Collaborate closely with senior management and stakeholders to define cost control strategies and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Review of our Key Account Management Plans for all key clients.
Cost Estimation:
- Oversee the review of project drawings and prepare Request for Information (RFI) documents.
- Lead coordination efforts between the Quantity Surveying (QS) and design teams for unified project queries related to QS deliverables and provide value engineering recommendations.
- Ensure the timely and accurate generation of quantity take-offs for various elements according to specified measurement methods.
- Guide the team in identifying work packages, delegating tasks to Senior QS and QS team members, and supporting meeting deadlines.
- Responsible for preparing the Bill of Quantities for various trade packages.
- Direct the team in developing cost plans at different stages to meet project requirements.
- Spearhead the creation of cost breakdowns and establish unit rates for various elements.
- Assist the team in collecting proposals, specifications, and related documents to formulate accurate cost estimates.
- Support the preparation, review, and creation of tender documents, respond to tender queries, and prepare tender reports.
- Aid in reviewing tender comparison statements and assist in generating technical and commercial evaluation reports.
- Participate in tender meetings and assist the QS team and client in developing negotiation strategies.
- Support the preparation of the letter of award, compile tender documents, and create the project contract documentation.
- Manage up-to-date trackers for project cash flow and monthly financial reports.
- Ensure the timely release of project interim payment certificates, variation orders, and final payment certificates.
- Maintain up-to-date communication with all stakeholders and ensure timely responses.
- Lead stakeholder meetings and advise on resolving project disputes, delays, and claims.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality outcomes to clients.
- Guarantee client satisfaction with all quantity surveying deliverables.
- Implement and uphold company policies and procedures within the team.
- Comply with Company Health Safety policies at all times.
Performance Reporting:
- Oversee the preparation and presentation of regular project performance reports to senior management and stakeholders.
- Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure project performance, including cost, schedule, quality, and risk.
- Ensure effective communication of project status, issues, and risks to stakeholders.
Team Development And Leadership:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing cost estimation team, including planners, schedulers, cost controllers, and risk managers.
- Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team environment, promoting professional development and continuous improvement.
- Conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, and manage team resources effectively.
- Deliver excellent client service on our commissions through quality assurance and regular client care.
- Unlock talent and develop next generation of leaders.
- Develop, mentor, and support your teams on project / technical delivery.
Process Improvement:
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in cost controls processes and systems.
- Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness in project delivery.
- Stay current with industry trends, tools, and best practices, and ensure the organization is leveraging leading-edge cost estimation methodologies.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure cost estimation practices are fully integrated into project planning and execution.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate successful project outcomes.
Qualifications
- Master's/Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 18-25 years of experience in cost estimation, with at least 8 years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Proficient in quantity take-offs using AutoCAD and CostX.
- Proven experience in large-scale capital projects, infrastructure, construction, or engineering environments.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to influence and drive change across multiple levels of the organization.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
- Familiarity with standard measurement methods such as NRM, CESMM, POMI, and ARM is preferred.
- Chartered membership of RICS (MRICS) or an equivalent certification is a significant advantage.
- Relevant certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), AACE's Certified Cost Professional (CCP), or PMI's Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) are preferred.
What We Can Offer You
- Varied, interesting and meaningful work.
- A hybrid working environment with flexibility and great opportunities.
- Opportunities for training and, as the team grows, career progression or sideways moves.
- An opportunity to work within a large global multi-disciplinary consultancy on a mission to change the ways we approach business as usual.
