Associate Director - Cost Management | Retail & Hospitality

Our client, a globally respected and independent real estate and infrastructure consultancy, is seeking an Associate Director level cost management professional with experience in the retail or hospitality sectors to join their thriving Yorkshire-based team.

This opportunity sits within a high-growth area of the business, led by a newly appointed and highly connected Director of Retail. Acting as their number two, you will play a pivotal role in driving the delivery of new store roll-outs and refurbishment programmes for a leading household name in retail, with the opportunity to branch into hospitality and other retail markets as the business continues to scale.

With a strong presence across the UK and major investment supporting ambitious programmes, this is a career-defining role for an ambitious cost management professional looking to make a real impact.

The role

This is an excellent opportunity for an Associate Director to step into a visible leadership role, supporting and deputising for the Director of Retail across a growing portfolio of exciting projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading cost and commercial management services across a range of retail and hospitality projects, including new store openings and major refurbishment programmes.
• Acting as the go-to for project delivery, ensuring best-in-class service in areas such as cost planning, commercial management, procurement, contract management and commercial performance.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and delivery partners, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Supporting business development, helping to grow this fast-expanding revenue stream and identify new opportunities within retail and hospitality.
• Mentoring and guiding junior team members, helping to shape their careers and strengthen the cost management offering.

About you

You will be an experienced Cost Manager or Quantity Surveyor with a solid track record in at least one of the following sectors: retail, hospitality, commercial office fit-out or leisure. This role would suit someone currently at Senior or Associate level in a consultancy who is ready to step up, or an individual working client-side who is looking to broaden their exposure by working with multiple clients on major schemes.

As much of the work is post contract, the client is also open to candidates from a contractor background who are keen to move into consultancy, ideally with experience of store roll outs, refurbishments or large scale fit-out programmes.

Whether your background is consultancy, contractor, or client-side, you will bring a proactive and commercially focused approach. This is a leadership position that will see you take responsibility for delivery, enabling the Director to concentrate on external growth and building new client relationships as the team expands.

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong track record of delivering cost management/QS services in retail, hospitality, commercial office fit-out or leisure sectors.
• Ideally a chartered professional with the RICS, or willing to work towards.
• Excellent organisational and client-facing skills, with the ability to influence and build confidence at senior level.
• Clear leadership capability, with the confidence to deputise for a Director and take ownership of client relationships.

What’s on offer

Our client is dedicated to supporting your career and wellbeing. They champion a healthy, inclusive and flexible working environment that supports both professional success and a positive work-life balance. As an equal opportunity employer, they welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary, plus car allowance and annual bonus.
• Clear pathways for progression and development
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Substantial investment in training, CPD and leadership development.
• Collaborative, inclusive and forward-looking team culture.
• The opportunity to play a key role in one of the fastest-growing areas of the business, delivering high-profile retail and hospitality projects across the UK.

For more information and confidential conversation about the role please apply now by submitting your CV or contact Dean Forster at Tempest Jones on dean@tempestjones.com.