Senior Cost Manager – Property

Company: John Lewis Partnership
Apply for the Senior Cost Manager – Property
Location: London
Job Description:

At a Glance

  • Salary range: £59,100.00 – £90,000.00
  • Contract type: Permanent
  • Location: Head Office, 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 prioritises professional growth and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

  • 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 finalising 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…

Posted: July 6th, 2026