30th July, 2026
Associate Director - Cost Management
Life Sciences, Healthcare, Education and R&D
Oxford | Hybrid Working
Competitive Salary + Car Allowance, Bonus & Benefits
Permanent | Full Time
Tempest Jones is supporting a leading global real estate and infrastructure consultancy with the appointment of an Associate Director into its growing Oxford cost management team.
Following the opening of its Oxford office and the appointment of an experienced Regional Cost Director, the business is now looking for a senior cost management professional to act as their number 2 in the region.
This is a genuine growth appointment, offering the opportunity to help scale the team, strengthen client relationships and shape the continued development of the Oxford business.
The Opportunity
As Associate Director, you will lead the delivery of complex cost management commissions while working closely with the Regional Cost Director to grow the local team and client base.
The role will focus on sectors that are central to the Oxford market, including life sciences, healthcare, education, research and development, laboratories, advanced manufacturing and other technically complex environments.
You will provide strategic commercial and cost management advice throughout the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility and business case development through procurement, construction and final account.
Alongside project delivery, you will support client development, bids, work winning, recruitment and the development of junior team members.
The role offers the influence of joining a growing regional office, supported by the client relationships, technical expertise, bid resources and market presence of a major international consultancy.
Key responsibilities:
- Act as the senior number 2 to the Regional Cost Director
- Lead the cost management and commercial delivery of key commissions
- Provide strategic cost advice throughout the full project lifecycle
- Manage cost planning, procurement, change control, forecasting and final accounts
- Build and develop relationships with clients and regional stakeholders
- Support bids, proposals and the conversion of new opportunities
- Identify opportunities to grow existing client accounts
- Mentor and develop Cost Managers and Senior Cost Managers
- Support recruitment and the continued growth of the Oxford team
The Candidate We are interested in speaking with established Associate Directors and strong Associates/Senior Cost Managers who are ready to take the next step.
You will ideally bring:
- Significant cost management experience within a recognised consultancy
- Chartered status with the RICS or an equivalent professional body
- Experience across both pre contract and post contract delivery
- The ability to lead complex commissions independently
- Strong client facing and stakeholder management skills
- Experience managing and developing junior colleagues
- An interest in business development and regional growth
Experience of the Oxford market would be highly advantageous, particularly where this includes relationships with local clients, universities, institutions, developers or consultants.
Candidates without direct Oxford experience may also be considered where they bring strong sector experience across life sciences, healthcare, education, research, laboratories, advanced manufacturing or similarly complex projects.
Experience across every sector is not required, but candidates should bring credible expertise within at least 1 relevant market.
Why Consider This Opportunity? This role offers the chance to join a growing office at an important stage of its development and play a visible role in shaping its future.
You will work directly with the Regional Cost Director, supported by an established national business, dedicated bid and marketing resources, strong client relationships and expertise from across the wider organisation.
It could particularly suit someone who has developed strong technical and client management capability but is finding their current platform limits their ability to grow a team, win larger commissions or progress towards Director level.
The successful candidate will have a clear opportunity to build their profile within the region and progress towards a future Cost Director position.
The Package The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, expected to include:
- Car allowance
- Performance related bonus
- Private healthcare + large benefits package
- Pension contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Structured learning and development
- Clear progression towards Director level
For a confidential discussion, please apply today or contact Dean Forster at Tempest Jones on dean@tempestjones.com.
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