Associate Director

About CDI Experts

CDI Experts is a specialist Australian consultancy delivering expertise in commercial, quantity surveying, planning, project controls, claims, and dispute resolution to key sectors such as construction, infrastructure, energy, mining, and industrial projects both domestically and internationally. Having partnered with contractors, government bodies, developers, and project owners for over 12 years, we provide pragmatic commercial solutions to enhance project delivery and address complex challenges.

Due to expansion in South Australia, we seek an Associate Director based in Adelaide to lead and expand our local presence. We require a professional with established networks within South Australia’s construction, infrastructure, and energy industries who can blend technical knowledge with business growth and client management skills. Relocation applications will not be considered.

Role Overview

This role extends beyond conventional technical consulting. As Associate Director, you will be accountable for delivering high-quality commercial advisory services and expanding CDI Experts’ footprint across South Australia while acting as the firm’s senior local representative supported by our national network.

Key Duties

• Lead commercial, quantity surveying, and contract advisory services on significant projects.
• Provide commercial guidance throughout project lifecycles, including procurement to final account closure.
• Prepare and analyze cost plans, budgets, forecasting, and commercial reporting.
• Manage contracts, advising clients on obligations, strategy, and risk mitigation.
• Evaluate and negotiate variations, progress claims, extensions of time, and contractual claims.
• Facilitate dispute avoidance and resolution by offering practical commercial counsel.
• Monitor project commercial outcomes, identifying risks and areas for improvement.
• Oversee client assignments ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with stakeholders including contractors, developers, consultants, and government bodies.
• Discover new business opportunities and contribute to proposal development, tenders, and presentations.
• Mentor junior team members and assist in the development of CDI Experts’ South Australian team.
• Collaborate with national and international specialists on key engagements.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an experienced commercial professional in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or Contract Management deeply familiar with the South Australian construction landscape, with a strong network and a client-centered approach to problem-solving. You should be comfortable performing commercial reviews, engaging clients, pursuing business development, and mentoring staff. The role suits someone eager to build and lead rather than merely occupy a position.

Qualifications and Experience

• Permanent Adelaide resident with unrestricted Australian work rights.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or Contract Administration.
• Background in major construction, infrastructure, energy, defence, mining, or industrial projects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of procurement, contract administration, and commercial processes.
• Experience managing variations, claims, extensions of time, payment claims, and final accounts.
• Thorough understanding of Australian standard contract forms.
• Strong commercial judgment to provide practical, balanced advice.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and client relationships.
• An extensive network within South Australia’s construction industry with proven business development skills.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications such as Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Law, or a related discipline.
• Professional affiliations such as AIQS, RICS, or equivalent are highly valued.

What CDI Experts Provides

• Leadership role with autonomy to grow the Adelaide office, supported by a skilled business development team.
• Influence over CDI Experts' strategic direction in South Australia.
• Engagement with major infrastructure, energy, defence, and industrial projects.
• A blend of consulting, commercial advisory, and business development responsibilities.
• Backed by experienced national and international colleagues.
• Flexible, entrepreneurial work setting.
• Competitive remuneration, performance-related incentives, and real career advancement opportunities.