At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost planning and financial governance for major retail projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic property team managing significant CapEx investments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% colleague discount and collaborative office environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with teams and enhance your career in construction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-value projects while driving cost savings.
- Qualifications: MRICS or equivalent in Quantity Surveying with strong commercial experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Summary We have a brand new exciting opportunity for a highly experienced Lead Cost Manager to join our Property team.
You will be part of a Cost Management function that manages £350‑450m of Cap Ex per year.
This role is pivotal in ensuring the financial success and value for money of our developments from inception through to completion.
The portfolio will include projects in excess of £50m, predominantly new store fit‑outs, but also store renewals or freehold acquisitions.
To stay close to our customers and colleagues, support teams work in the office for at least three days a week, fostering collaboration and creativity.
What you will do Lead project cost planning, tendering and financial governance, ensuring robust cost control and successful board approvals.
Manage project budgets, valuations, variations and final accounts to deliver projects on or below budget while driving continuous cost savings.
Develop and implement procurement strategies, supporting tender evaluations, contractor appointments and commercial negotiations.
Identify and mitigate commercial, contractual and supply‑chain risks, ensuring compliance and successful project delivery.
Drive value engineering, cost benchmarking and data analysis, while building strong relationships with internal teams, consultants and contractors to optimise project outcomes.
Who you will be MRICS, Degree qualified, or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.
An experienced commercial professional with a strong track record of managing cost planning, tendering and value engineering across retail and construction projects.
Highly knowledgeable in construction methodologies, project delivery, procurement and the wider built environment.
Commercially astute, with the ability to develop business cases, interpret financial appraisals and NPV data, and make value‑driven recommendations.
A confident communicator with strong risk‑management expertise and the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
Benefits 20% colleague discount across all M
Lead Cost Manager employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, particularly within the Corporate HR technology team. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and benefits. Working in a dynamic location, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects that enhance the colleague experience throughout their journey with the company.
