Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Nottingham Support Office
Closing date: 10/04/26
We are seeking an experienced Cost Manager to lead commercial activities across a portfolio of projects and to build and manage a small team of internal quantity surveyors as the Head of Cost Management.
The role combines hands‑on commercial expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring projects are delivered profitably, compliantly, and in line with contractual obligations.
The ideal candidate will be professionally trained (RICS), have a proven track record in retail commercial cost management, be commercially astute, confident in client‑facing environments, and passionate about developing others.
Key responsibilities
Commercial Management
* Take ownership of the overall annual cost management of the capital budget, inclusive of major capital investment across both projects and facilities management.
* Support with building annual capital budgets and represent at a key stakeholder level.
* Lead the end‑to‑end commercial lifecycle across multiple projects, from tender stage to final account.
* Prepare, review, and negotiate contracts, subcontracts, bills of quantities, and procurement documentation in line with the business contractual framework agreement / and or before one‑off tenders.
* Own and maintain the contractual framework agreement, ensuring compliance in regard to total project delivery.
* Oversee cost planning, cost reporting, value engineering, cash‑flow forecasting, and risk management.
* Ensure accurate and timely submission of valuations, variations, compensation events, and claims.
* Manage change control processes and advise project teams on commercial implications.
* Conduct detailed analysis of project performance, identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
* Maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
* Lead financial appraisals of capital projects, including support with business cases in regard to IRR and NPV calculations.
* Manage the asset under construction journal, and ensure costs are correctly capitalised upon completion.
Team Leadership & Management
* Line manage a team of Quantity Surveyors and Assistant QSs, providing coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
* Allocate workload effectively and oversee performance, ensuring quality and consistency of commercial outputs.
* Support the recruitment, onboarding, and continued training of commercial team members.
* Promote best practices in commercial governance, reporting, and compliance.
* Foster a collaborative, high‑performing team culture aligned with company values.
Strategic & Business Support
* Support senior management in developing commercial strategy and improving internal processes.
* Contribute to bid reviews, pricing strategies, and business development activities.
* Provide accurate commercial insight for forecasting, budgeting, and executive reporting.
* Ensure projects meet financial targets and contractual deliverables.
Qualifications – Must‑haves
* Proven experience in cost management or financial analysis within a property or construction environment.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
* Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
* Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
* A proactive approach to driving change and improvement.
Qualifications – Nice to Have
* Experience with project management methodologies.
* Knowledge of procurement processes and contract management.
* A relevant professional qualification (e.g., MRICS, CIMA).
Benefits
* Boots Retirement Savings Plan (up to 12% company contribution)
* Generous employee discounts for you and a family member
* Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay
* Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.
* Flexible benefits scheme including options for additional holiday, discounted gym membership, life assurance, and much more.
At Boots, we are an equal‑opportunity employer and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, supported, and free to be themselves.
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