Senior Quantity Surveyor

Job description

Overview: The Senior Quantity Surveyor (Pre-Contracts) leads and independently manages pre‑contract cost management and commercial activities across multiple projects with minimal supervision. The role requires a proactive, self‑motivated professional who takes ownership of project deliverables, provides strategic cost advice, and drives commercial outcomes during design and procurement stages. Responsibilities include preparing and reviewing cost plans, estimates, BOQs, tender documents, value engineering studies, and risk assessments while maintaining strong client relationships and representing the business in client‑facing and commercial discussions. Lead measurement, quantity take‑off, cost estimating, and cost planning from concept through tender stage. Apply RIBA, AIA, and AACEi guidelines to design and construction phases. Demonstrate strong data analytical ability, coding and cost breakdown structures, and identify anomalies. Utilize AI tools. Prepare detailed cost plans, benchmarking studies, feasibility assessments, and budget reviews. Manage preparation, review, and approval of BOQs, quantity breakdowns, and tender documentation. Conduct value engineering reviews and cost optimisation exercises. Perform commercial risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies. Produce tender analyses, bid evaluations, recommendation reports, and procurement support. Review design developments and assess cost implications. Coordinate with design, planning, technical, and project teams for cost and scope alignment. Provide commercial advice to clients and stakeholders during pre‑contract stages.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline
• Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)
• 10-15 years Quantity Surveying experience, with at least 8 years in pre‑contract cost consultancy and minimum 5 years as a Senior Quantity Surveyor within a Tier 1 cost consultancy firm
• strong experience in cost planning, estimating, procurement, and tendering for mixed‑use, residential, commercial, and large‑scale development projects
• excellent knowledge of standard methods of measurement including NRM and BOQ production
• advanced skills in CostX, estimating software, cost forecasting, and commercial reporting
• strong analytical, negotiation, stakeholder management, and communication skills
• strong client‑facing skills with ability to present cost advice, lead commercial discussions, and manage stakeholder expectations at all levels
• excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management experience with clients, consultants, and contractors.

Skills

Benefits

• Mentor junior QS staff and support their professional development.