Associate Director

Associate Director – Data Centres

• Associate Director level
• London (Hybrid working, mixture of home, office and client sites)
• Permanent
• Full-time with flexible working and core hours

Gleeds is a leading global property and construction consultancy. Independent since 1875, we are proud to deliver award-winning projects around the world. We are a Great Place to Work certified employer, with our people at the heart of everything we do.

Gleeds Data Centres is seeking an accomplished Associate Director with proven experience in the data centre sector. With a strong pipeline of major programmes underway, we’re looking for a seasoned quantity surveyor who can confidently lead and contribute to high‑profile, technically complex projects.

In this role, no two days will be the same. Your responsibilities will vary depending on the programme you’re supporting, ensuring you remain challenged, motivated, and deeply involved in the impactful work we deliver. However, several core responsibilities will consistently form the foundation of your role:

• Taking a lead role with clients to ensure work is done to specification and to cost.
• Execution and administration of various forms of contract including FIDIC and NEC suites.
• Stakeholder engagement across portfolio.
• Management of Contractor and Subcontractor accounts.
• Lead and support project through RIBA stages.
• Lead and mentor junior members of the team.
• Ownership of master planning and feasibility studies.
• Leading on estimating, benchmarking and market intelligence reports, reviews and management to ensure consistent baselines

Who we are looking for:

Experience, Knowledge and Key Skills

• End-to-end project experience within the Data Centre sector
• Experience using standard forms of contract including FIDIC and NEC suites.
• Consultancy background preferred.
• Detailed knowledge and practiced experience of cost estimating and cost planning techniques.
• Comprehensive knowledge of construction procurement strategies, including tendering and contract strategies.
• Clear understanding of legislation impacting on building contracts.
• Ability to motivate others (including providing support and encouragement) and to lead high performance teams.
• Clear and effective communication skills - both oral and written.
• Methodical way of thinking and approach to work.
• Ability to absorb complex information and assess requirements readily.
• Excellent problem solving, negotiating, financial and numeracy skills.
• Sound ICT skills, with a high level of proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Ability to prepare first-class bids for services.
• Competent at negotiating sufficient fees to both complete services and generate required profit levels.
• Ability to work as part of a team and manage teams.

Qualifications

• Ideally HNC, HND or Degree qualified in a Quantity Surveying / Cost Management, Construction Law, or similar / relevant discipline, or in some case applicants with an alternative background (e.g.: Engineering) may be considered.
• Professional qualifications and/or membership of the RICS, CIOB, CICES, CIPS or other relevant Chartered Institute are desirable, and will be supported if not already attained.

What we can offer you in return

• Clear opportunities to develop and grow your career through training and further qualifications
• Fantastic networking opportunities to grow your personal brand and expand your understanding of the industry
• Generous holiday allowance plus the option to purchase additional days through the holiday purchase scheme.
• Highly competitive salary and the opportunity to increase this through continuous reviews
• Employee Assistance Programme to ensure your health and personal well-being comes first
• Our global travel scholarship programme gives you the unique opportunity to gain global experience
• Flexible working arrangements to ensure you have a healthy work-life balance
• Volunteering opportunities to engage with your local community or charitable organisations
• Unparalleled support from central teams and a company that is recognised as a Great Place to Work.

About us

Gleeds is a global property and construction consultancy with over 150 years of expertise, operating in 28 countries worldwide. From iconic landmarks to critical infrastructure, we drive innovation, sustainability and value, delivering transformative projects that shape communities and redefine the built environment.