Graduate Quantity Surveyor

To proceed with your application, you should first generate an intent code by following the link provided here to our external partner Connectr .

You will be given the opportunity to learn more about Costain, the roles and programmes available. From here you will be directed to a few quick questions designed to help you determine if the role and the company is right for you.

Please ensure that your complete this step to obtain the code required for your application form as applications without a code will not be processed.

About the role

The role of Graduate Quantity Surveyor is to assist in administration and management of costs and contracts relating to projects. The role may involve all aspects of work from the initial tender to final account and close out, seeking to minimise the costs and enhance value for money whilst achieving the required standards and quality. This role will work under the close direction and supervision of a more senior quantity surveyor.

Click the link for the job description, responsibilities, and qualifications - COMH02 - Graduate Quantity Surveyor.pdf

About the project

Costain have won extensive work across the water sector to support the AMP 8 investment cycle. We have been appointed by Northumbrian Water to the Living Water Enterprise to help shape and deliver its strategic infrastructure upgrade programme with contracts valued up to c.£670m to Costain over 15 years.

Graduate Development Programme

By joining our 2-year Graduate programme, you’ll get the best of both worlds—great technical development and exciting opportunities to grow your personal confidence and leadership skills. You’ll be working alongside your team to deliver standout, best-in-class projects across the infrastructure sector, all while learning and building your career step by step.

The Graduate Development Programme (GDP) is also a fantastic chance to meet and network with other graduates joining us at the same time. You’ll connect with people across different projects and disciplines throughout the UK, creating a supportive community from day one. Throughout the 2 years, you’ll come together both in person and virtually to take part in engaging modules and activities such as “Growing your Career,” “Costain In Action,” and “Group Coaching.” These sessions are designed to inspire you, challenge you in the best way, and help you get the most out of your programme.

Your line manager will be fully on hand to support your learning, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to talk through how you can put what you’re learning into your everyday work.

We also strongly recommend getting involved with our Graduate and Apprentice network (GRaAPs). It’s a brilliant way to meet other Early Careers members, discover what’s happening across different teams and projects, and explore areas of the business that genuinely interest you—helping you shape your future learning and direction.

And as a graduate, you’ll have the chance to help influence and shape future recruitment programmes and early careers opportunities—making a real difference to what comes next for future intakes.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare enquiries, analyse tenders, negotiate, and manage allocated accounts including orders, payments & final accounts, and close outs in accordance with customer or company procedures.
• Assist in the preparation and agreement of applications for payment or the assessment & preparation of payment certificates.
• Play a key role in capturing, managing, and communicating change and risk on the project in accordance with the Contract.
• Assist in the preparation of the Project Control Reporting including project cost & value / EVA reports, budgets, and forecasts.
• Report to Line Management when contractual notices and correspondence with both customer and sub-contractors are required in accordance with the Contract.
• Assisting with the reporting of the Project Budget / Cost Report.
• Undertake record-keeping including but not limited to collating site records, the preparation of meeting packs, meeting invites, and taking meeting minutes.
• Carry out supply chain performance reviews on allocated packages.
• Contribute to Value management / value engineering
• Understanding the implications of health and safety regulations
• Ensure all health, safety and environmental risk situations are brought to the attention of Contract Leader / Project Manager

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential

• Be proactive in self-development and professional qualification
• Will have understanding or experience of business systems, spreadsheet development, cost analysis, programme evaluation and development, compensation event and/or variations assessment and evaluation.
• Increasing knowledge of a variety of forms & options of contracts.
• Have experience or appreciation of the risk management process for both schedule and cost and the use of Earned Value Management.

Desirable

• Have experience or appreciation of company policies, procedures & controls, operating office management systems including filing systems and document control and distribution and assist in the drafting of contractual correspondence on behalf of the project and project manager.

Essential

• Holds an RICS/CICES accredited degree, or enrolled on an accredited part-time postgraduate degree with relevant experience.

Desirable

• Enrolled and working towards Full Membership of either RICS or CICES