Project Cost Management Manager/Director

A highly regarded, Central London-based project advisory studio is looking for a Project Manager to join its team. The practice operates exclusively within the prime and super-prime residential sector, working on behalf of private clients, UHNWIs, and family offices across high-value schemes typically ranging from £5m to £50m+. This is an unusual role in the best sense: it combines genuine project management rigour with a strong commercial dimension. The successful candidate will be expected to bring a real understanding of cost — not just as a line item, but as a framework — and to help build out an internal costing structure from the ground up. Building and embedding an internal costing structure to bring QS in-house, including establishing the systems, templates, and processes the studio needs to manage cost intelligence consistently across projects. Acting as primary client representative on flagship projects, chairing meetings and coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams including architects, interior designers, engineers, and contractors. Producing accurate, senior-level reporting for clients and internal stakeholders across risk, cost, programme, and quality. Supporting business development through delivery expertise in pitches and project appraisals. This role sits at the intersection of project management and quantity surveying. 5 to 8 years of experience in project management within prime or super-prime residential — this sector experience is essential. ~ A real understanding of cost management: structuring cost plans, interrogating QS outputs, and building frameworks that can be embedded into a business. ~ Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary consultant teams end-to-end, with strong procurement and contract knowledge. ~ Comfortable with ambiguity — this role involves building something new, and you will need to be self-directed and pragmatic. ~ a strong PM/QS background with demonstrable cost management experience will also be considered. ~ High commercial literacy and the ability to interrogate budgets and benchmarks with confidence. Salary £60,000–£80,000 depending on experience. Direct involvement in building out an internal function with genuine commercial importance. A high-calibre, close-knit team with a strong culture of quality, rigour, and professionalism. Central London office, hybrid working (4 days in office, 1 day from home). Projects that are genuinely interesting: complex, high-value, and designed.