Senior Quantity Surveyor

Overview of Responsibilities

The Senior Quantity Surveyor is a senior cost and commercial professional responsible for the financial management, cost control, and commercial assurance of complex construction and infrastructure contracts within one or more Integrated Project Teams (IPTs).

Operating with a level of autonomy, the role provides expert quantity surveying advice across the full project lifecycle from cost planning and procurement through to final account agreement. The post holder ensures robust cost governance, accurate measurement and valuation, effective change control, and proactive commercial risk management, in line with RICS professional standards, organisational governance, and regulatory requirements (including PA23 where applicable).

Accountability 1:

Cost Management & Commercial Control

With respect to high value and high complexity contracts and package orders:

• Lead the cost management of major construction and infrastructure contracts, ensuring accurate forecasting, budgetary control, and cost assurance.
• Prepare, review, and maintain:
  • Cost plans and cost breakdown structures
  • Target costs and pain/gain mechanisms
  • Forecasts, cashflows, and earned value metrics
• Successfully triage Early Warnings, Compensation Events and other commercial claims.
• Provide authoritative advice on commercial and cost impacts of design development, scope change, and programme movement.
• Ensure costs are managed in line with approved budgets, governance thresholds, and delegated authorities.

Accountability 2:

Measurement, Valuation & Change Control

With respect to high value and high complexity contracts and package orders:

• Lead the measurement and valuation of works, including:
  • Interim applications for payment
  • Assessment of defined cost / compensation events
  • Variations, changes, and claims
• Ensure change is properly instructed, valued, negotiated, and recorded in accordance with contractual mechanisms (e.g. NEC).
• Challenge contractor submissions to ensure value for money, robustness, and contractual compliance.
• Agree final accounts and support timely, controlled contract close‑out.

Accountability 3:

Contract & Procurement Support

With respect to high value and high complexity contracts and package orders:

• Support or lead commercial input into procurement strategies for construction and infrastructure works.
• Advise on contract selection, pricing mechanisms, risk allocation, and commercial models.
• Lead or support commercial negotiations at tender and post‑contract stages.
• Ensure contracts are administered in line with agreed terms, governance standards, and regulatory requirements.

Accountability 4: Risk, Claims & Dispute Management

With respect to high value and high complexity contracts and package orders:

• Identify, assess, and manage cost and commercial risks, ensuring mitigation strategies are developed and implemented.
• Support dispute avoidance through early intervention, commercial negotiation, and robust contract administration.
• Provide expert support and leadership to formal dispute resolution processes where required.

Accountability 5:

Reporting, Governance & Assurance

With respect to high value and high complexity contracts and package orders:

• Produce and assure high‑quality cost and commercial reporting for senior stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate, auditable cost and contract records in line with organisational and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and provide professional commercial assurance.
• Drive continuous improvement in cost management processes, data quality, and reporting discipline.

Accountability 6: Stakeholder Management & Leadership

• Build trusted relationships within the wider Commercial team, Project Managers, Engineers, Finance, and senior stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation in meetings with contractors and delivery partners.
• Provide mentoring, guidance, and professional oversight to direct reports, and early‑career colleagues.
• Act as a role model for professional integrity, ethical behaviour, and organisational values.

Accountability 7:

Embody a Leadership Mindset

• Regardless of your formal position, you embody a leadership mindset and a set of leadership behaviours.  You embrace and embody our organisation’s culture, values, and mission in all aspects of your work.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values.
• Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organisation’s values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
• Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals.

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities and you may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks or duties requested.

Qualifications

What skills and experience you’ll bring to us:

Essential:

• Significant experience in quantity surveying or cost management on construction, infrastructure projects or similar.
• Proven ability to administer high‑value, high‑risk contracts across the project lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of standard forms of contract (e.g. NEC, bespoke construction contracts).
• Demonstrable expertise in cost forecasting, valuation, change control, and final accounts.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline
• Actively working towards Chartered status (MRICS), or already Chartered
• Ability to demonstrate competence aligned to RICS pathways, particularly:
  • Commercial Management of Construction
  • Construction Technology and Environmental Services
  • Contract Practice
  • Procurement and Tendering
  • Risk Management

Beneficial:

• Experience working in highly regulated or public‑sector environments.
• Experience supporting or managing junior quantity surveying staff.
• Familiarity with assurance, governance, and delegated authority frameworks.