Senior Cost Manager

Location
:
This role will be based at either our Head Office in Pimlico, London or Head Office in Bracknell, Berkshire, with occasional travel to other partnership locations. The Head Office location will be agreed with the candidate.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Property Cost Management Team at the John Lewis Partnership, in a newly created role as Senior Cost Manager. As Senior Cost Manager, you will work closely with the John Lewis Partnership Cost Management Team, supporting the establishment of cost models, benchmarks, and procurement strategies that ensure value for money and financial viability. You must be a subject matter expert, engaging with external consultants and supply chain partners while overseeing commercial risk, contractual claims, and payment audits.

Beyond technical delivery, you will be responsible for leading and developing a team of Quantity Surveyors and administrative staff to drive overall performance and effectiveness. You will ensure service level agreements for third‑party cost management practices, cost tracking of actuals, and forecast expenditure against budgets and approvals.

As a key point of contact for our suppliers, you will support validation of our market tendering activity. We’re looking for experience in driving value, implementing cost‑saving initiatives, and reviewing the return on investment from our tender results.

You will work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams, understanding design, scope and supporting feasibility studies, while being comfortable working with some ambiguity at times.

This role offers a flexible, blended working environment within a culture that prioritises professional growth and inclusion.

• Value Engineering:
  Drive a "Cost‑out" culture through rigorous benchmarking, value engineering, and final account accuracy.
• Contract Management:
  Provide strategic oversight of JCT/NEC contract selection, negotiation, and supply chain performance.
• Executive Reporting:
  Deliver high‑level financial reporting and forecasting to demonstrate programme performance against KPIs.
• Net Zero Commitment:
  Provide solutions and sustainable design to support the 2035 Net Zero operational target.

• Team Development:
  Lead and mentor a multi‑disciplinary team of external QS’s as well as part/some internal team management responsibility.
• Stakeholder Management:
  Influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders to develop procurement strategies, ensure programme buy‑in and operational success.

• Desired qualifications – MRICS / MCIOB or degree qualified (or equivalent) in Project Management, Engineering, 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.
• High competency in risk management and communication at all levels.
• Expert Excel capabilities paired with a high degree of IT literacy.

Closing Date
:
March 4, 2026

Pay
: £57,100.00 – £90,000.00 Annual

Contract Type
:
Permanent

Hours of Work
: 35 hours per week

Job Level
:
Partnership Level 6

Where You'll Be Working
:
London Central Office, 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW1V 2QQ

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.