Head of Cost Management

About the Role

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

However, we will also consider appropriate Candidates working for QS Practices with relevant experience wanting to work client side. The role will predominitley cost manage / control projects and ensure the best possible value for the business.

What you'll be Doing:

• Cost Tracking including standard cost models and variations.
• Working with Finance on budget setting and programme movements / management.
• Working closely with the business development directors and project teams to ensure all aspects, (from initial budgets to final accounts) of their project costs are managed in an efficient and methodical manner with visibility across the function.
• Oversee and own relationship with external QS practices to support on the day-to-day work.
• To undertake day to day project cost management for a number of project managers across a broad range of retail and catering schemes, this will be supported by external QSs.
• To prepare budget costs for new business opportunities and tenders.
• Reviewing Landlord shell and core information, in conjunction with project managers, for new sites ensuring costs to SSP are minimised.
• Prepare budget costs based on outline and sketch scheme designs together with presenting opportunities for cost savings.
• Tendering - Prepare Bills/Schedule and /or Scope of Works required to obtain competitive tenders. These Documents will be prepared in line with Drawings, Specifications and Details provided by the Designer.
• Undertake cost cutting exercise if the tender is more than the approved Capex or allocated budget
• Liaises with all external consultants, including designers, project coordinators and M&E engineers and to review all aspects of their work in terms of achieving best value for SSP.
• Track and monitor all project variations/change requests and negotiate best price. On completion negotiate and advise on the final account in conjunction with the project manager and at the end of the Defects Liability Period, Designer certify the Final Account.
• Advise on and implement standard forms of contract for projects as applicable. Obtain costs/quotations from external suppliers and negotiate the best price.
• Attend site meetings (for valuation purposes) and handover meetings as required Monitor and manage project costs throughout the life of the project and update the NPD of any potential overspends. Review and ensure best value for all project variations.
• Ensures that the snagging for the 6 months defects liability period is completed and authorises the issue of Certificate of Making Good Defects.

Key Working Relationships:

• All Rail and Air Landlords and their technical and commercial representatives
• SSP Operations
• SSP Support Functions i.e. Finance, Marketing
• The remainder of the Property Team
• QS Practices and Contractors etc

To be successful in this role you will need:

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and client relationship skills
• Sound knowledge of building contract documentation
• Financial Management abilities to understand P& L’s
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills
• Authoritative Management style
• Strong Team player
• Ability to organise, plan and prioritise their workload
• Driven, focussed and commercially astute
• Competent IT skills

Desirable

• Familiarity with Air and Rail Estates

SSP is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to recruiting and retaining the most talented individuals from a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.

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