Associate Practice Director - Cost and Estimation

We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading Design, Engineering and Project Management organization. Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, we are a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data, and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in key strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear, Operations & Maintenance and Capital.

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About the Team:

Project & Programme management services (PPMS) team is an integral part of Global Project & Programme Management (GPMO) practice. PPMS team enables the Programme leadership, with a predictable and efficient project performance management & reporting, and business intelligence to ensure our portfolio of projects are being effectively and efficiently directed, managed, and delivered. The team supports our rapid response methodology, focusing on enhancing programme services capability through our hub office in the Global Technology Centre (GTC), India. This approach brings cost efficiencies and a significantly larger digital and programme management resource pool for the benefit of our clients. We leverage a combined onshore and offshore delivery model for extended workdays, accelerating programme delivery for our clients. Our aspiration is to be the global leader in Programme Management Services, building a future-ready team that is agile and adaptable to every client’s needs.

Job Summary:

The Associate Practice Director will be responsible for overseeing and managing the cost estimation functions for complex and high-stakes projects. This role requires advanced and specialized knowledge and skills to deliver complex assignments and projects. The Associate Practice Director will lead client projects or functional teams, manage important resources, navigate complex negotiations, and address high-risk and complex issues. This position serves as a point of reference for peers due to the level of specialization and experience in interpreting client or functional technical issues and recommending best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategy:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Cost Estimation / Quantity Surveying team, aligning with the overall goals and objectives of the organization.
• Develop and implement QS processes, tools, and best practices to improve project delivery and performance.
• Work closely with senior management and other stakeholders to define Cost Management 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 the Request for Information (RFI) documents.
• Lead coordination efforts between the Quantity Surveying (QS) and design teams to ensure a unified approach to 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 the specified measurement methods.
• Guide the team in identifying work packages, delegate tasks to Senior QS and QS team members, and support meeting deadlines for deliverables.
• 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 QS 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 control & estimation 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 controls methodologies.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure cost control & 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:

• Masters/bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field & MRICS qualified.
• At least 20 years post graduate experience with minimum 10 years experience in the Middle East
• 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.
• Significant and demonstratable high level of experience across all main market sectors including; commercial, retail, hospitality, healthcare, residential, infrastructure, mixed use

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.

Why work for AtkinsRéalis?

We at AtkinsRéalis are committed to developing its people both personally and professionally. Our colleagues have the advantage of access to a high ranging training portfolio and development activities designed to help make the best of individual’s abilities and talents. We also actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.

Meeting Your Needs:

To help you get the most out of life in and outside of work, we offer employees ‘Total Reward.’

Making sure you're supported is important to us. So, if you identify as having a disability, tell us ahead of your interview, and we’ll discuss any adjustments you might need.

Additional Information:

We are an equal opportunity, drug-free employer committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and ability.

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Link: Equality, diversity & inclusion | Atkins India (atkinsrealis.com)