Associate Director – Cost Management

New York, NY

Up to $180,000 Base Salary + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits

Open to candidates relocating from outside the USA (need British, Australian or American passport for VISA)

Capstone is partnering with a leading independent construction and property consultancy to appoint an Associate Director of Cost Management within its established New York office.

Recognised for its technical expertise, high-profile projects and commitment to professional development, the business offers the resources and opportunities of an international consultancy while retaining the agility and collaborative culture of an independent firm.

With an impressive portfolio of projects across New York and a strong pipeline of future work, this is an opportunity for an experienced cost management professional to lead complex assignments, strengthen key client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of the business.

The Role

As Associate Director, you will take responsibility for the successful commercial delivery of major projects and programs, providing strategic cost management advice throughout the full project lifecycle.

Alongside project delivery, you will play an important leadership role within the New York team, supporting junior colleagues, developing client relationships and contributing to business development.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading cost management services across complex, multimillion-dollar projects
• Providing strategic commercial advice from feasibility through construction and closeout
• Overseeing estimates, cost plans, budgets, forecasts and cash-flow projections
• Leading procurement strategies, tender processes and contractor negotiations
• Managing change control, valuations, payment applications and final accounts
• Identifying commercial risks and advising clients on appropriate mitigation strategies
• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior clients and project stakeholders
• Managing project teams and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality work
• Mentoring and developing Cost Managers and Senior Cost Managers
• Supporting proposals, presentations and wider business-development activity
• Helping shape the continued growth of the New York cost management team

The Opportunity

You will join a close-knit, collaborative and diverse New York team with an excellent reputation for technical quality and client service.

The business places considerable emphasis on career development, structured training and long-term progression. Its independent structure also provides greater visibility, autonomy and access to senior leadership than is often available within larger corporate consultancies.

This position offers a clear pathway towards Director level for someone who can combine technical expertise with strong leadership and commercial capabilities.

Skills and Experience

• Degree qualified, ideally in quantity surveying, construction management, engineering or a related discipline
• Extensive pre- and post-contract cost management experience
• A strong track record of delivering large, complex construction projects
• Consultancy or owner’s representative experience is strongly preferred
• Experience leading projects, managing teams and developing junior professionals
• Advanced knowledge of estimating, cost planning, procurement and change management
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify and manage project risk
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with senior clients and stakeholders
• Experience supporting business development, proposals or account growth
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
• MRICS, RICS or an equivalent professional qualification would be advantageous

About You

You will be an experienced and commercially minded cost management professional who combines technical excellence with strong leadership and client-facing skills.

You will be comfortable managing complex assignments, leading teams and operating as a trusted advisor to senior clients. You will also be motivated by the opportunity to influence the growth of an established New York office and progress towards a future Director position.

International Applicants

The consultancy may also consider experienced candidates looking to relocate to the United States. British and Australian passport holders may be eligible for sponsorship through the relevant E-2 or E-3 visa routes, subject to individual eligibility.