Assistant Quantity Surveyor

OCS Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join their commercial team in Manchester. This role supports projects in civils and groundworks and offers opportunities for hands-on experience under senior surveyors. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Quantity Surveying or a related field, with skills in communication and numeracy. Competitive salary and clear career progression are part of the offer.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Clear career progression

Ongoing training and professional development

Qualifications

• Degree (or working towards) in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or equivalent.
• Experience in a civils/groundworks contractor environment preferred.
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of cost plans and tender documents.
• Support with measuring, pricing, and valuing variations.
• Liaise with subcontractors for quotations and payments.

Skills

Strong numerical skills

Analytical skills

IT skills (MS Excel)

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Role Overview: Our client are seeking an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join their commercial team in Manchester, supporting projects across the civils and groundworks sector, with exposure to commercial developments, residential housing, and major sports/stadium infrastructure. This role offers hands-on experience, working alongside senior surveyors on pre- and post-contract commercial management, with strong opportunities for progression.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of cost plans, bills of quantities, and tender documents
• Support with measuring, pricing, and valuing variations
• Undertake site measurements and progress valuations for civil and groundworks packages
• Contribute to the preparation of monthly cost/value reconciliations (CVRs)
• Liaise with subcontractors for quotations, payments, and account agreements
• Support the procurement of subcontractors and suppliers
• Monitor project costs, budgets, and forecasts, reporting variances to the Senior QS
• Assist in the preparation of interim applications and final accounts
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all project-related commercial activities
• Work closely with site and project teams to ensure smooth commercial delivery

Requirements

• Degree (or working towards) in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or equivalent (HNC/HND considered)
• Previous experience in a civils/groundworks contractor environment preferred (placement year or 1-2 years' experience ideal)
• Strong numerical, analytical, and IT skills (MS Excel essential)
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proactive, ambitious, and keen to develop within a supportive team environment

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Clear career progression
• Exposure to a diverse project portfolio
• Ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development