Director Quantity Surveyor

Vertical Recruitment is supporting an established independent property and construction consultancy in Manchester with the appointment of an Associate Director or Director to establish and develop its Quantity Surveying and Cost Management offering.

The business already provides Project Management, Building Surveying and wider property advisory services, working with developers, investors and occupiers across a varied portfolio of projects throughout the UK.

As part of its continued growth, the consultancy is looking to expand its services and provide clients with a more comprehensive offering.

This is not a conventional senior QS appointment. The business already has established client relationships, live commissions and opportunities where Cost Management services are required. However, it needs someone with the experience, network and ambition to develop this into a successful department.

For an Associate Director ready to take the next step, or an existing Director looking for greater autonomy, this offers the opportunity to build a service, develop a team and potentially secure an early equity stake.

The Consultancy

The business is an independent, director-led consultancy with an established reputation across Project Management, Building Surveying and property advisory services.

Its portfolio spans smaller regeneration schemes through to major commercial and industrial developments.

Project experience includes:

• Residential and mixed-use developments, low-rise housing and town centre regeneration.

• Public realm, infrastructure improvements and wider regeneration programmes.

• Commercial developments, office refurbishment and workplace fit-out.

• New-build hotels, hospitality developments and student accommodation.

• Retail parks, commercial developments and refurbishment programmes.

• Major logistics facilities, industrial developments and distribution centres.

• High-profile Manchester city centre developments and landmark commercial projects.

This variety provides the opportunity to develop a Cost Management offering across several sectors, supported by existing client relationships and a pipeline of future work.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will take responsibility for establishing, leading and growing the consultancy''s Quantity Surveying and Cost Management function.

Working directly with the Directors, you''ll have considerable freedom to shape the service, develop client relationships, secure new commissions and build a team as the workload grows.

The role combines senior technical delivery with business development, commercial leadership and involvement in the wider direction of the consultancy.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Establishing and developing the consultancy''s Cost Management offering, including its services, processes and long-term strategy.

• Leading pre- and post-contract QS commissions from feasibility and cost planning through to construction and completion.

• Providing senior commercial advice across procurement, tendering, contract administration, cost reporting and risk management.

• Undertaking Employer''s Agent responsibilities and supporting wider project delivery.

• Developing new business through an established network of clients, developers and industry relationships.

• Identifying QS opportunities within the consultancy''s existing client base, working alongside the PM and Building Surveying teams.

• Managing client relationships, fee proposals, negotiations and work-winning activities.

• Identifying target sectors and clients to establish a sustainable pipeline of commissions.

• Recruiting, mentoring and developing a Quantity Surveying team as the service expands.

• Working closely with the Directors on commercial performance, business development and strategic growth.

Building the Cost Management Offering

One of the main attractions of this appointment is the opportunity to build something within an established business rather than starting entirely from scratch.

The consultancy already has clients and projects where QS services are required, but currently lacks the in-house capability to deliver these commissions.

The successful individual will be expected to build on these opportunities while bringing their own market knowledge, contacts and business development experience.

This requires someone who understands the Manchester and wider North West property market, is proactive in developing relationships and has the confidence to secure new projects.

There is genuine scope to influence the direction of the service, the sectors it targets and how the team develops.

About You

This position could suit an established Associate Director ready for greater leadership responsibility, or an experienced Director looking for more autonomy and commercial influence.

You will ideally bring:

• Strong consultancy-side Quantity Surveying and Cost Management experience, ideally MRICS qualified.

• Experience at Associate Director or Director level, or the capability to progress.

• Strong pre- and post-contract technical knowledge and experience leading commissions.

• Knowledge of Employer''s Agent services, procurement and contract administration.

• An established client network with proven business development and work-winning capability.

• Strong knowledge of the Manchester and North West property and construction market.

• Experience managing or mentoring Quantity Surveyors, with the ambition to build a team.

• Commercial awareness, leadership ability and the drive to develop a successful service offering.

Autonomy, Leadership & Equity

Unlike joining an established Cost Management department, this appointment offers the opportunity to shape a service from the outset.

You''ll work directly with the Directors, contributing to commercial decisions, client development, recruitment and the wider growth of the consultancy.

As the offering develops, there is scope to build a team around you and establish a long-term leadership position.

Early equity participation is also a potential part of the opportunity, with the structure discussed further during the recruitment process.

Interested?

If you''re an Associate Director ready to take the next step, or a Director looking for greater autonomy and the opportunity to build something of your own, we''d be happy to discuss the position in more detail.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Freya at Vertical Recruitment.