At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management for exciting projects, ensuring financial compliance and optimising capital investment.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home to John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a culture prioritising professional growth and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career development and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on landmark projects while driving sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: MRICS/MCIOB qualified or equivalent in Quantity Surveying with strong construction knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 10000 - 90000 £ per year.
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 prioritises 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 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.
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 contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note:
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles. We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Senior Cost Manager - Property employer: John Lewis
At John Lewis, we pride ourselves on being the largest employee-owned business in the UK, fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. As a Senior Cost Manager, you will benefit from a flexible working environment that prioritises professional growth, with opportunities to lead innovative projects while contributing to our commitment to sustainability. Join us in a role where your expertise will be valued, and together we can create a happier world for all our Partners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Manager - Property
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like John Lewis, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Cost Manager - Property at John Lewis.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Manager - Property
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
