Associate Director

About our client

GEDON™ Executive have partnered with a highly respected commercial advisory and cost consultancy with a long-standing presence in the Australian construction market. Our client is known for providing sophisticated cost management, quantity surveying and advisory services to blue-chip institutions, investors and government bodies across Australia.

Operating across multiple verticals including health, education and broader social infrastructure, they support their clients from early development and feasibility through to delivery and project execution. The business is synonymous with quality advice, robust commercial governance and best-in-class reporting.

With a collaborative, partner-led working environment, this firm offers direct access to decision makers, complex portfolios and a high-calibre peer group of Directors, Partners and senior advisors who are deeply embedded in the institutional market.

What they are looking for

Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of advisory mandates, our client is seeking an accomplished Associate Director (or ambitious Senior Associate) with a strong background in pre- and post-contract quantity surveying to take a key leadership role within their Sydney team.

You will lead end-to-end cost management across major capital and social infrastructure assets (typically $1m–$1.5bn+), provide strategic commercial advice to institutional clients and support the Executive team in shaping commercial strategy and profitability across your portfolio.

This role suits a technically strong, client-facing QS who enjoys owning the cost management lifecycle – from early cost planning and risk management through to contract administration, commercial management and final account – while also mentoring and developing a high-performing team.

Why this role is unique

• Operate at Associate Director level in a true advisory environment, working directly with institutional clients, boards and senior stakeholders.

• Shape the commercial strategy and profitability of major portfolios, not just individual projects.

• Join a business at an exciting stage of growth, with clear, defined pathways to Director, Executive Director and Partnership for high performers.

• Enjoy a flat, open culture where you can build direct rapport with shareholders and senior leadership, influencing decisions at business level.

• Balance strategic advisory work with hands-on project involvement across a diverse range of complex assets.

Key responsibilities

• Lead pre- and post-contract quantity surveying services including detailed cost planning, benchmarking, risk management, contract administration and commercial management across a diverse portfolio of projects and productive assets ($1m–$1.5bn+).

• Take accountability for the activities and performance of a dedicated cost management team, providing guidance, technical oversight and support to team members and other leaders.

• Work with Executive team members to develop and implement commercial strategies for projects and portfolios, ensuring margin, risk and cashflow targets are achieved.

• Oversee and contribute to the maintenance of cost reporting systems, ensuring all financial information is accurate, up to date and clearly tracked against budgets, tender allowances and commitments, with deviations identified and managed.

• Produce and present accurate forecasts of project cost to completion and final value, continually monitoring projected costs in line with budget.

• Ensure critical interface information between clients, subcontractors and internal teams is provided in a timely, accurate manner to support delivery outcomes.

• Proactively manage cashflow and valuation plans, ensuring applications are prepared accurately and submitted on time.

• Identify and value contract variations, securing timely agreement of variation orders with clients and maintaining robust supporting records for all claims and commercial positions.

• Support Project Management colleagues with project reviews and associated reporting, including monthly cost and value reports in line with company reporting processes.

• Lead the preparation, negotiation and agreement of final accounts with main contractors and clients.

Who we’re looking for – experience & qualities

• Substantial experience as a Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager within a consultancy or commercial advisory environment, with exposure across both pre- and post-contract services.

• Proven track record managing project commercial performance – including margin, risk and cashflow – on complex building or social infrastructure projects.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify and grow commercial opportunities within existing client portfolios.

• Demonstrated leadership capability – able to build, influence and lead commercial teams, developing high-performing individuals and positive team culture.

• Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills, with the gravitas to operate at senior and Board level.

• Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or similar, with professional membership (or working towards) such as RICS or AIQS highly regarded.

• Strong commercial awareness, analytical ability and written/verbal communication skills.

What’s on offer

This role offers an attractive senior-level package commensurate with experience, including a competitive base salary, incentives and benefits aligned with the executive nature of the position.

You will join a highly respected advisory firm with a genuine commitment to flexible working – typically 2 days from home and 3 days in their Sydney CBD office – and the support of a partner-led leadership group who are invested in your development.

For the right individual, there is a clear pathway to Director, Executive Director and ultimately Partnership, supported by structured career development, exposure to marquee clients and complex assignments, and the opportunity to shape both the team and the broader commercial advisory offering.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please send an up-to-date CV via the Apply Now button.