Cost Lead

About the role

We have a brand new exciting opportunity for a highly experienced and strategic Cost Lead to join our Property team. You will direct all cost management functions across Waitrose and John Lewis Projects Construction and Development activity, with a forecast expenditure of £250m per annum Capex and £150m Opex.

This leadership role is pivotal in ensuring the financial success, efficiency, and value for money of our developments, from inception through to completion. You will be responsible for developing and implementing cost control strategies, building and managing a high-performing cost management team, and providing expert Cost advice to senior management and project stakeholders.

• Salary - £70,400 - £130,000. 

• Contract type - This position is a permanent contract.

• Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business. The team aims for one day a week in the office to connect and on a more ad-hoc basis to attend key meetings. 

• Location - This role can be based at either our Bracknell or Pimlico Head Office, with occasional travel to other Partnership locations.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Cost Leadership:

• Develop and implement the overall cost management strategy, aligning with business objectives and UK industry best practice to drive a ‘Cost out’ Focus. 

• Provide expert Cost advice and guidance to senior management and project teams on all commercial and contractual matters.

• Champion the adoption of innovative cost management techniques and digital tools within the Cost Management function.

Team Management & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of internal and external Cost Managers , Commercial managers and Quantity Surveyors and fostering a culture of professional excellence and continuous learning.

• Oversee the recruitment, training, and performance management of the QS team.

Project Cost Control & Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation of accurate cost plans  and tender documentation, key Cost Lead on Board approvals noting Costs Risk and mitigations 

• Implement robust cost control procedures and provide regular, accurate financial reports on project costs and forecasts.

• Manage valuations, variations, and final accounts in accordance with relevant contract conditions (e.g., JCT, NEC).

Procurement & Contractual Advice:

• Provide strategic input into procurement strategies and advise on appropriate forms of contract for UK projects.

• Oversee the tender evaluation process and provide recommendations on contractor appointments - including Main Contractors and directly procured items such as: M&E Equipment, Refrigeration, Fixtures and fittings, Lighting , Flooring, Signage 

• Ensure contractual compliance and proactively manage commercial risks.

Value Engineering & Risk Management:

• Lead value engineering initiatives to optimize project costs while adhering to quality standards and building regulation and internal JLP standards .

• Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks associated with construction projects.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams (e.g. Store Design, Central Procurement) and external stakeholders (e.g., contractors, consultants).

• Represent the company on commercial matters and effectively negotiate with external parties.

Data Analysis & Benchmarking:

• Maintain and develop a cost database and benchmarking information to inform future projects.

• Analyse cost data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement in cost efficiency.

Essential skills/experience you’ll need

• MRICS / MCIOB or Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying / Commercial management  

• Extensive experience of running cost and tender activity in retail and construction projects/programmes, with value engineering capability 

• Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, the development process and the built environment including traditional and emerging techniques. 

• High degree of commercial and value management skills including ability to interpret and work with financial appraisals and NPV, ability to develop business cases and use effective value judgement to recommend changes to project scope /  direction. 

• Highly knowledgeable in construction and engineering services project procurement and execution 

• High competency in risk management and communication at all levels 

Desirable skills/experience you may have

• Previous experience of people management

• Cost Consultancy Experience at Associate / Director Level 

• Creating and presenting Projects to Board level stakeholders 

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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. 

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