At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management across projects and mentor a team of quantity surveyors.
- Company: Join Boots, a supportive and inclusive employer committed to your growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous discounts, retirement savings, and flexible benefits tailored for you.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a collaborative team culture await you.
- Why this job: Shape your career while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost management and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Nottingham Support Office
Closing date: 15/05/26
Recruitment Partner: Daniel White
We are seeking an experienced Cost Manager to lead commercial activities across a portfolio of projects and to build and manage a small team of internal quantity surveyors as a Head of Cost Management. This role combines hands-on commercial expertise with leadership responsibility, ensuring projects are delivered profitably, compliantly, and in line with contractual obligations.
The ideal candidate will be professionally trained (RICS), have a proven track record in retail commercial cost management, be commercially astute, confident in client-facing environments, and passionate about developing others.
What you’ll be doing
In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing cost management strategies that align with our business objectives, ensuring we maximise value while maintaining quality.
- Commercial Management
- Take ownership of the overall annual cost management of the capital budget, inclusive of major capital investment across both projects and facilities management.
- Support with building annual capital budgets and represent at a key stakeholder level.
- Lead the end to end commercial lifecycle across multiple projects, from tender stage to final account.
- Prepare, review, and negotiate contracts, subcontracts, bills of quantities, and procurement documentation in line with the business contractual framework agreement / and or before one off tenders.
- Own and maintain the contractual framework agreement, ensuring compliance in regard to total project delivery.
- Oversee cost planning, cost reporting, value engineering, cashflow forecasting, and risk management.
- Ensure accurate and timely submission of valuations, variations, compensation events, and claims.
- Manage change control processes and advise project teams on commercial implications.
- Conduct detailed analysis of project performance, identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Lead financial appraisals of capital projects, including support with business cases in regard to IRR and NPV calculations.
- Manage the asset under construction journal, and ensure costs are correctly capitalised upon completion.
- Team Leadership & Management
- Line manage a team of Quantity Surveyors and Assistant QSs, providing coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
- Allocate workload effectively and oversee performance, ensuring quality and consistency of commercial outputs.
- Support the recruitment, onboarding, and continued training of commercial team members.
- Promote best practices in commercial governance, reporting, and compliance.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture aligned with company values.
- Strategic & Business Support
- Support senior management in developing commercial strategy and improving internal processes.
- Contribute to bid reviews, pricing strategies, and business development activities.
- Provide accurate commercial insight for forecasting, budgeting, and executive reporting.
- Ensure projects meet financial targets and contractual deliverables.
What you’ll need to have (our must-haves)
- Proven experience in cost management or financial analysis within a property or construction environment.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- A proactive approach to driving change and improvement.
It would be great if you also have
- Experience with project management methodologies.
- Knowledge of procurement processes and contract management.
- A relevant professional qualification (e.g., MRICS, CIMA).
Where your brilliance can take you
At Boots, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. As the Head of Cost Management, you will have the chance to shape your career path and explore various avenues within our organisation.
Rewards designed for you
- Boots Retirement Savings Plan (up to 12% company contribution)
- Generous employee discounts for you and a family member
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay
- Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Flexible benefits scheme including options for additional holiday, discounted gym membership, life assurance, and much more.
There’s lots more in our benefits and discounts, MyBoosts – there to give you that little lift in your everyday. Find out more at Exclusions may apply; eligible roles only.
A bit about us
At Boots, we're proud to be an equal opportunity employer, creating a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and free to be themselves. We believe that when our people feel valued and included, they thrive, so we're committed to creating a brilliant Boots for our people so they can make a difference for our customers and colleagues every time.
What’s next?
If you apply, our team will be in touch to let you know the outcome of your application or to arrange next steps. Where a role is advertised as full-time, we are open to discussing part-time and job share options. If you require additional support as part of the application and interview process, we are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to help you be at your best.
We hope to hear from you soon. Be brilliant with Boots.
Senior Manager in Nottingham employer: Boots
At Boots, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As the Head of Cost Management in our Nottingham Support Office, you will benefit from a comprehensive rewards package, including generous employee discounts and a robust retirement savings plan, while also having ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence. Focus on articulating your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Senior Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Manager role. Highlight your cost management expertise and leadership experience, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this position. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed costs and led teams in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements:Quantify your successes! Whether it's savings made or projects delivered on time, we want to see the impact you've had in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups.
How to prepare for a job interview at Boots
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Manager in cost management, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics like IRR and NPV calculations, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team of Quantity Surveyors, so be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams, handled conflicts, or developed talent in your past positions.
✨Understand the Business Objectives
Familiarise yourself with Boots' commercial strategies and objectives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to maximising value while maintaining quality.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks. Think of scenarios where you've had to navigate complex commercial challenges and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.