Assistant Quantity Surveyor

New Step Recruitment; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

New Step Recruitment is recruiting an Assistant Quantity Surveyor for a private housebuilder/main contractor in West Kent. You will support the commercial team across residential developments, assisting with procurement, valuations, variations and cost reporting while gaining broader exposure to the project lifecycle and timelines.

The role offers clear progression towards Quantity Surveyor level, direct access to senior management, and long-term stability within a growing Kent-based business.

Qualifications

• Experience as Assistant Quantity Surveyor in residential construction or related sectors.
• Knowledge of subcontractor procurement, valuations, variations and cost management.
• Ability to read construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong organisational skills and proactive attitude.
• Ambition to take on greater responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day management of residential construction projects.
• Support subcontractor procurement, enquiries, quotations and tender comparisons.
• Assist with subcontractor valuations and payment applications.
• Support monthly cost reports, CVRs and budget monitoring.
• Identify and track variations and liaise with stakeholders.
• Assist with subcontractor account administration and final accounts.

Skills

Procurement

Valuations

Cost reporting

Commercial awareness

Job description

Role: Assistant Quantity Surveyor | Main Contractor / Housebuilder
Location: West Kent, near Tonbridge / Sevenoaks / Maidstone
Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 + Package
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Sector: Residential Construction / Main Contracting

The Opportunity

An established, privately owned housebuilder and main contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join its growing commercial team in West Kent. The business has built a strong reputation across Kent and is entering an exciting period of growth, with several residential developments underway and a substantial pipeline of work secured for 2027 and beyond. This is an excellent opportunity for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor who has already gained solid commercial experience and is looking to take on greater responsibility, with genuine progression towards Quantity Surveyor level. Working closely with experienced commercial and construction teams, you'll be supporting the commercial delivery of residential developments across Kent, gaining further experience in procurement, valuations, cost reporting and the wider project lifecycle. Unlike larger PLC housebuilders, the business offers a more hands on and collaborative environment, with direct access to senior management and the opportunity to make a genuine impact as the company continues to expand. With a strong pipeline of secured work, the position offers long term stability and excellent opportunities for career development.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting the commercial team with the day to day management of residential construction projects.
• Supporting subcontractor procurement, including preparing enquiries, obtaining quotations and assisting with tender comparisons.
• Assisting with the preparation and assessment of subcontractor valuations and payment applications.
• Supporting monthly cost reports, CVRs and budget monitoring.
• Helping to identify, record and track variations throughout the project.
• Liaising with subcontractors, suppliers and site teams to obtain quotations, progress updates and commercial information.
• Assisting with subcontractor account administration and final account preparation.

Requirements

• Previous experience as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor within residential construction, main contracting or a construction consultancy.
• Good understanding of subcontractor procurement, valuations, variations and cost management.
• Some experience assisting with subcontractor packages and commercial reporting.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong organisational skills, commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• A proactive, ambitious attitude with the confidence to take on increasing responsibility.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £45,000 to £50,000 plus package.
• Substantial pipeline of secured residential projects across Kent for 2027 and beyond.
• Genuine progression opportunities towards Quantity Surveyor level.
• Opportunity to develop commercial experience across substantial residential developments.
• Work closely with experienced commercial professionals and senior management.
• Long term stability within an established, privately owned construction business.