Assistant Quantity Surveyor

TN United Kingdom; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor in Plymouth, where you'll take charge of commercial responsibilities for new residential developments. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence key projects while ensuring cost control and quality delivery. You'll collaborate with various teams, mentor junior surveyors, and drive best practices in a supportive environment. With competitive salary packages, generous holidays, and career development opportunities, this position is perfect for ambitious professionals looking to make a significant impact in the construction industry.

Benefits

Company Car or Travel Allowance

Up to 33 Days Holiday

Enhanced Family Leave

Pension with Competitive Contribution

Life Assurance (4x Salary)

Share Incentive Plans

Rewards Portal

Career Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience as a PQS, SQS, or commercial lead for a residential housebuilder.
• Strong understanding of building regulations and construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Manage costs for new build developments from pre-construction to final accounts.
• Prepare tender summaries and place sub-contract orders.

Skills

Commercial Acumen

Negotiation Skills

Attention to Detail

Budget Management

Mentoring

Education

HNC/HND in Surveying

Relevant Degree

Tools

COINS

AGA

Job description

O’Neill & Brennan are proud to be partnering with a national house builder, an award-winning housebuilder, to recruit a Assistant Quantity Surveyor for their flagship development in Plymouth. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking business delivering high-quality homes across the South West.

As Assistant Quantity Surveyor, you will take full commercial responsibility for aspects of new-build residential developments, ensuring cost control, maximising value, and delivering on quality—all while helping to shape one of the region’s key sites.

What You’ll Be Doing:

1. Managing all costs for new build developments, from pre-construction through to final accounts
2. Preparing and presenting tender summaries and placing sub-contract orders
3. Monitoring and reporting project costs and valuations
4. Collaborating closely with internal departments and site teams
5. Leading on CV1 and CV2 processes and monthly cost/value meetings
6. Driving best practice and mentoring junior surveyors within the commercial team

What We’re Looking For:

1. HNC/HND (minimum) in Surveying or similar – a relevant degree is a bonus
2. Previous experience as a PQS, SQS, or commercial lead for a residential housebuilder
3. Strong understanding of building regulations, construction methods, and legal obligations
4. Excellent commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and attention to detail
5. Ability to manage budgets and build strong subcontractor relationships
6. Working knowledge of systems like COINS and AGA is desirable but not essential
7. Passion for mentoring and team development

What’s In It For You:

1. Competitive base salary + annual bonus
2. Company car, car allowance, or travel allowance
3. Up to 33 days holiday plus bank holidays
4. Enhanced family leave policies
5. Pension (competitive contribution) & life assurance (4x salary)
6. Share incentive plans & rewards portal
7. Excellent career development within a thriving regional team

This is a brilliant opportunity for an ambitious Senior Quantity Surveyor to work on a flagship scheme, with long-term growth prospects and a supportive, collaborative environment.

Apply today to be considered or contact Reece Kershaw at O’Neill & Brennan for a confidential chat about the role.