Managing Quantity Surveyor

Knights Brown is an independent civil engineering contractor delivering complex work across energy, water utilities, infrastructure, coasts & ports, and buildings. Due to continued growth across the Southern & South East Division, we are seeking an experienced and ambitious Managing Quantity Surveyor to join our commercial leadership team. Based from our Maidstone office, you will lead and develop the regional commercial function, providing commercial oversight across a diverse portfolio of civil engineering, infrastructure and marine projects spanning the South East region. Leading a team of Quantity Surveyors with a diverse range of experience, you will drive commercial performance, build capability, create succession, and support the continued growth of the Southern & South East Division. Reporting directly to the Divisional Commercial Manager, based at our Head Office in Ringwood, you will play an instrumental role in developing future talent, strengthening commercial governance and ensuring the successful commercial delivery of the division's project portfolio. The Role: Working closely with the Head of Pre Construction, Operations Managers, Contracts Managers and project delivery teams, you will provide commercial leadership across multiple projects and frameworks, ensuring sustainable profitability through effective risk management, commercial governance and contractual compliance. A key aspect of this role is the leadership, development and growth of the regional commercial team. We are seeking an individual with a proven track record of building high-performing teams, mentoring emerging talent and creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. You will be responsible for driving commercial best practice, supporting the development of future leaders, and ensuring the commercial function remains aligned with the division's ambitious growth plans. This position is based from our Maidstone office, five days per week, with regular travel to project locations throughout Kent, the South East and Central London. What you’ll be doing: •Provide commercial oversight across a portfolio of civil engineering, infrastructure and marine projects.• Lead and support project commercial teams to maximise value, minimise risk and deliver sustainable profitable growth.• Ensure accurate commercial reporting, forecasting, CVRs and cashflow management. • Drive robust change control and commercial governance processes. •Ensure contractual obligations, notices and entitlements are properly managed and protected. •Support customer-facing commercial activities and maintain strong client relationships.• Lead commercial engagement with key subcontractors and supply chain partners. •Identify, manage and mitigate commercial and contractual risks. •Support pre-construction and bid teams in assessing commercial risks, opportunities and contract conditions. •Attend management reviews and provide commercial insight to senior leadership. • Lead, mentor and develop a growing team of Quantity Surveyors with a range of experience from Senior QS’s to Apprentices. •Build a high-performing commercial function capable of supporting the division's future growth. •Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. •Support recruitment, onboarding and retention of commercial staff. •Identify future leaders and support effective succession planning. • Provide coaching, guidance and development opportunities to maximise individual potential. •Share knowledge and best practice across projects and teams. •Promote consistency in commercial management standards and processes across the division. What we’re looking for: •Significant experience as a Managing Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager within a civil engineering environment. •Strong working knowledge and practical application of NEC contracts. • Experience providing commercial leadership across multiple projects and frameworks concurrently. •A proven track record of managing, mentoring and growing commercial teams. •Experience developing people, identifying talent and building succession within a commercial function. •Strong leadership, communication and negotiation skills. •Excellent commercial awareness and financial acumen. • The ability to identify, manage and mitigate commercial and contractual risk. •Experience building strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and supply chain partners.• A passion for developing people and building successful teams. Professional membership is not essential. However, Knights Brown is committed to investing in its people and will actively support employees who wish to pursue professional qualifications and further career development. Desirable: •NEC contract experience •Relevant degree or commercial qualification •CSCS card. Why join Knights Brown: •Foster Team Spirit – We are stronger together. •Inspire Confidence and Admiration – We build respect through trust. •Face Challenges with Enthusiasm – We embrace challenges and support others to succeed. •Build Open and Honest Relationships – We listen, collaborate and value the contribution of others. •Add Value Through Simplicity – We focus on what matters and continually improve the way we work. •Take Pride in Success – We celebrate achievement and encourage innovation. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunity, and we welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.