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- Tasks: Lead cost management for construction projects across the UK & Europe.
- Company: Join JD Sports, a leading retailer in sports fashion and lifestyle.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping retail spaces while driving financial success.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in construction cost management; MRICS qualified preferred.
- Other info: Willingness to travel is essential; multilingual skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Responsible to: Associate Director of Store Construction UK & Europe
Department: Property
Location: Bury, Manchester (with UK & European travel)
Contract Type: 40 Hours Per Week
Role Overview: As the Head of Construction Cost Management for JD Sports across all group Fascia’s in the UK & Europe, you will be responsible for leading the strategic planning, management, and control of all construction-related costs within the Projects Team.
You will ensure that all new store builds, refurbishments, relocations, and property projects are delivered on budget, with maximum value achieved for every investment. Working closely with project managers, external quantity surveyors, contractors, and suppliers, you will set the cost management strategy, negotiate commercial agreements, and provide leadership on all financial aspects of construction projects.
This role requires a strong commercial mindset, exceptional leadership skills, and an ability to navigate the fast-paced, high-volume retail environment in which JD Sports operates.
Key Duties/Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement the cost management strategy for all construction projects in the UK & Europe.
- Set benchmarks and cost models to ensure accurate forecasting and financial control.
- Lead, mentor, and manage the internal cost management team in all territories, driving best practice and professional development.
Cost Control & Reporting
- Oversee the preparation of budgets, cost plans, and financial reports for all projects.
- Monitor and report on project expenditure to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
- Provide detailed cost analysis, variance reporting, and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
Procurement & Contract Management
- Lead tender processes and negotiate contracts with contractors, suppliers, and consultants to achieve best value.
- Maintain and update preferred supplier frameworks to ensure competitive pricing and quality service.
- Oversee contract administration, ensuring compliance with JD Sports’ standards and legal requirements.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work closely with Project Managers, Design, Store Development, and Finance teams to ensure projects are commercially viable.
- Liaise with senior leadership to present cost forecasts, risk assessments, and budget recommendations.
- Represent JD Sports in commercial negotiations and key supplier meetings.
Risk & Value Management
- Identify and mitigate financial risks across all projects.
- Drive value engineering initiatives to optimise project outcomes without compromising quality.
- Ensure all cost management processes comply with local regulations, building codes, and company policies.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience in construction cost management, ideally within the retail, commercial, or property development sector.
- Strong background in UK and European cost control, procurement, and contract negotiation.
- Proven track record in leading multi-site, multi-country projects.
- MRICS qualified (or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying or Cost Management.
- Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Willingness to travel across the UK & Europe as required.
Desirable
- Experience in high-volume retail rollout programmes.
- Knowledge of European construction legislation and local market cost variations.
- Multilingual abilities (advantageous but not essential).
Key Attributes
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem solving.
- Influential leader who inspires confidence and trust.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering value and efficiency.
- Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
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Head of Construction Cost Management - UK & Europe employer: JD GROUP
Contact Detail:
JD GROUP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Construction Cost Management - UK & Europe
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the construction and retail sectors. Attend industry events, seminars, or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture at JD Sports.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in construction cost management, especially within the retail sector. Being knowledgeable about current practices and technologies will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-site and multi-country projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed costs and led teams in similar environments, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research JD Sports' recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their business model and recent developments will allow you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Construction Cost Management - UK & Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in construction cost management, particularly within the retail or property development sectors. Emphasise your leadership skills and any relevant qualifications, such as MRICS.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and hands-on problem-solving abilities. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed costs in previous projects and your experience with multi-site operations.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your strong commercial acumen, analytical skills, and stakeholder management experience. These are crucial for the role and should be evident in your written materials.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in leading teams and mentoring staff in cost management practices. Provide examples of how you've driven best practices and professional development in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at JD GROUP
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As the role requires strategic leadership, be prepared to discuss your approach to developing and implementing cost management strategies. Share examples of how you've set benchmarks and achieved financial control in previous projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading teams, especially in a multi-site or multi-country context. Discuss how you mentor and manage teams to drive best practices and professional development, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Prepare for Procurement Discussions
Since procurement and contract management are key responsibilities, be ready to talk about your experience with tender processes and contract negotiations. Provide specific examples of how you've achieved best value in past roles.
✨Emphasise Your Risk Management Experience
The ability to identify and mitigate financial risks is essential. Prepare to discuss your experience with risk assessments and value engineering initiatives, showcasing how you've optimised project outcomes while maintaining quality.
