Head of Cost Management

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We are seeking to appoint a Graduate Chartered Quantity Surveyor who ideally has experience working in a similar client-side role within a multi-site Restaurant, Leisure, or Retail Operator.

We will also consider candidates from QS practices with relevant experience interested in client-side roles. The role primarily involves cost management and control of projects to ensure optimal value for the business.

What you'll be doing:

• Cost tracking, including standard cost models and variations.
• Collaborating with Finance on budget setting and programme management.
• Working closely with business development directors and project teams to manage project costs from initial budgets to final accounts, ensuring visibility across functions.
• Managing relationships with external QS practices to support daily work.
• Handling day-to-day project cost management across multiple retail and catering schemes, supported by external QSs.
• Preparing budget costs for new business opportunities and tenders.
• Reviewing landlord shell and core information with project managers to minimize costs for new sites.
• Creating budget costs based on preliminary designs and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Preparing tender documents, including Bills of Quantities, Schedule of Works, or Scope of Works, aligned with provided drawings and specifications.
• Conducting cost reduction exercises if tenders exceed approved budgets.
• Liaising with external consultants, including designers and M&E engineers, to ensure value for SSP.
• Tracking project variations and negotiations to achieve best prices, finalizing accounts with project managers at project completion and defect liability periods.
• Advising on and applying standard contract forms, obtaining quotations, and negotiating best prices.
• Participating in site and handover meetings, monitoring project costs, and managing overspends.
• Ensuring completion of snagging during the defect liability period and issuing Certificates of Making Good Defects.

Key Working Relationships:

• All Rail and Air Landlords and their representatives
• SSP Operations
• Support functions such as Finance and Marketing
• The Property Team
• QS Practices and Contractors

To be successful, you will need:

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship skills
• Knowledge of building contract documentation
• Financial management skills, including understanding P&L statements
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills
• Authoritative management style
• Team player mentality
• Ability to organize, plan, and prioritize workload
• Driven, focused, and commercially aware

Familiarity with Air and Rail Estates is preferred.

SSP is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to recruiting and retaining talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.