Associate Director
Our client is an established and highly regarded consultancy delivering Quantity Surveying and Project Management services across the UK infrastructure sector. With a strong reputation for technical excellence, long-term client relationships, and a collaborative culture, the business is now expanding its offering to include a dedicated Project Controls service line.
This role is a key strategic hire, working closely with the senior leadership team to broaden the consultancy's capabilities while maintaining the quality and trust it is known for.
The Opportunity
Our client is seeking an Associate Director of Project Controls to establish, lead, and grow its project controls capability from its Manchester HQ, ensuring close collaboration with senior leadership.
This is a rare opportunity for a senior project controls professional to take ownership of a new service line – shaping the offering, influencing strategy, and working with some of the UK's most respected infrastructure clients.
Key Responsibilities
Service Line Leadership
Lead the development of the Project Controls service line, including planning, cost control, risk, change, and performance reporting
Define and implement standards, methodologies, and best practices aligned with major infrastructure programmes
Act as the internal subject matter expert and senior point of contact for project controlsClient Delivery
Provide senior-level project controls support on complex infrastructure projects and programmes
Lead or oversee delivery of:
Programme planning and schedule management
Integrated cost, performance, and earned value reporting
Risk and change control frameworks
Governance and executive-level reporting
Build strong, lasting relationships with key infrastructure clientsBusiness Development & Growth
Work closely with Directors to develop and win new project controls opportunities
Support bids, proposals, and client presentations
Identify opportunities where project controls enhances and complements existing QS and PM commissionsTeam Development
Recruit, mentor, and grow a project controls team as the service line expands
Champion collaboration between project controls, QS, and PM disciplines
Support a positive, professional, and high-performing culture
About You
You are a senior project controls professional who enjoys building, leading, and influencing, and who wants to play a visible role in shaping a growing consultancy offering.
Essential
Strong experience delivering Project Controls within the infrastructure sector
Proven leadership experience at Senior Manager / Associate Director level (or ready to step up)
Excellent planning and controls capability (P6 and/or equivalent tools)
Strong commercial awareness and client-facing skills
Ability to operate credibly with senior client stakeholders and internal leadershipDesirable
Experience developing or growing a service line or function
Exposure to major UK infrastructure programmes
Chartered or working towards Chartership (e.g. APM, ICE, RICS)
Location & Working Style
North West based, ideally within commuting distance of Manchester
Close collaboration with senior leadership while supporting UK-wide projects
Flexible, pragmatic approach to hybrid working
Salary & Benefits
Circa £80,000, with flexibility for the right candidate
Bonus and comprehensive benefits package
Clear progression opportunity as the service line grows
Why Join?
This is a genuine opportunity to take ownership of a new service line within an established infrastructure consultancy – not just delivering projects, but shaping strategy, building a team, and making a lasting impact on the business.
You'll be trusted, supported, and given the autonomy to build something meaningful, with direct access to decision-makers and the space to do things properly.
Apply: Contact Hayley Woodruff on (phone number removed) or apply with your CV to
Building Careers UK specialises in Construction and Property recruitment and serves as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job, you accept the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers which can be found on our website.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
Please Note: Due to high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.
INDCOM