Senior Cost Manager - Property

# ABOUT THE ROLE **At a glance** **Salary range -** £59,100.00 -£90,000.00 **Contract type -** Permanent **Location -** This role will be based at our Head Office in Pimlico, London, with occasional travel to other Partnership locations. **About the role** As Senior Cost Manager supporting the John Lewis Property Team, you will be the subject matter expert guiding projects from start through to completion by carrying out feasibility studies, cost planning, reviewing procurement strategies, negotiations, contract management, optimising capital investment expenditure, ensuring financial compliance across the project lifecycle, managing external consultants and leading the way with implementation of cost management strategies that align with our business objectives and ensuring we take a cost-out approach while maintaining quality. Take ownership of the overall annual cost management of the John Lewis capital and operational construction budgets, inclusive of major capital investment and capital replacement across our vast estate including some very exciting landmark projects. This role offers a flexible, blended working environment within a culture that prioritizes professional growth and inclusion. **Key Responsibilities** **Commercial & Financial Control** - Cost Planning & Estimating: Preparing early-stage feasibility budgets, cost plans, and life-cycle cost forecasts. - Value Engineering: Drive a "Cost-out" culture through rigorous benchmarking, value engineering, and innovation. - Contract Management: Provide strategic oversight of JCT/NEC contract selection, negotiation, and supply chain performance. - Cost Control: Monitoring ongoing expenditure, identifying financial risks, valuing completed work, tracking project variations against the baseline budget and capitalisation of assets. - Commercial Negotiation: Assessing contractor claims, negotiating variations, and finalizing final account settlements. - Net Zero Commitment: Solutions and sustainable design to support the 2035 Net Zero operational target. **​** **Leadership & People** - Executive Reporting: Deliver high-level financial reporting and forecasting to demonstrate programme performance against KPIs. - Team Development: Lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary team of External Quantity Surveyors. - Stakeholder Management: Influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders to ensure programme buy-in and operational success. **Essential skills/experience you’ll need** - MRICS / MCIOB or Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying / Commercial management. - Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, the development process and the built environment including traditional and emerging techniques. - Highly knowledgeable in construction and engineering services project procurement and execution. - Proven experience in cost management of retail-fit outs, refurbishments or developments. - High competency in risk management and communication at all levels. - Strong proficiency in cash flow forecasting, budget management, and financial reporting. - Exceptional client-facing and stakeholder management skills. **Closing Date:** July 21, 2026 **Pay:** £59,100.00 - £90,000.00 Annual **Contract Type:** Permanent **Hours of Work:** 35 **Job Level:** Partnership Level 6 **Where You'll Be Working:** London Central Office, 1 Drummond Gate, London, , SW1V 2QQ # ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose. As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to…