Freelance Senior Quantity Surveyor

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected construction consultancy is currently seeking a Freelance Senior Quantity Surveyor to manage budgets and risks for complex utility projects. This full-time position in Manchester requires experience in infrastructure-related quantity surveying and familiarity with NEC contracts. Join a collaborative firm that values your expertise and offers flexibility in your work.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in quantity surveying within the utilities or power sectors.
• Strong working knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 forms of contract.
• RICS or equivalent chartership is beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor project budgets and costs.
• Work with NEC3/4 contracts and manage compensation events.
• Engage in pre-construction activities and risk management.
• Prepare financial reports for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with clients and project teams.
• Undertake occasional site visits.

Skills

Infrastructure-related Quantity Surveying experience

NEC3/NEC4 contract knowledge

Financial management

Negotiation skills

Communication abilities

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field

Job description

Overview

We are currently seeking a highly capable Freelance Senior Quantity Surveyor to support a well-regarded, multidisciplinary construction consultancy known for delivering expert commercial and project services across the UK. With a strong presence in the infrastructure and utilities sector, this consultancy plays a key role in shaping nationally significant projects—particularly in electrical transmission and power distribution.

This is a full-time role based in Manchester, with a requirement to attend site in Bury St Edmunds one day per week, contributing to the successful delivery of complex utility infrastructure, including overhead powerlines and electrical substations.

Responsibilities

• Financial Oversight: Manage and monitor project budgets, forecasts, and actual costs, ensuring financial control across high-value infrastructure projects.
• Contract Administration: Work with NEC3/4 contracts, managing compensation events, variations, and ensuring compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Pre-Construction Involvement: Engage in early-stage project activities such as consents, enabling works, and pre-construction services agreements (PCSAs).
• Risk Management: Identify commercial risks and opportunities, advising on mitigation strategies to support project resilience.
• Stakeholder Reporting: Prepare and present accurate, timely financial reports and cost plans for internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with clients, project managers, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure efficient delivery.
• Site Visits: Undertake occasional site visits (within reasonable distance) to stay connected with delivery progress and commercial risks.

What We\'re Looking For

• Sector Experience: Demonstrable experience in infrastructure-related Quantity Surveying, preferably within the utilities, power, or electrical sectors.
• Contractual Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 forms of contract.
• Professional Skills: Excellent financial management, negotiation, and communication abilities.
• Qualifications: Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying or a related field.
• Professional Membership: RICS or equivalent chartership is beneficial, though not essential.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside a respected consultancy known for its collaborative, no-nonsense approach and long-standing relationships with major infrastructure clients. You’ll play a pivotal role in projects that power communities and support critical infrastructure—while maintaining flexibility with your freelance workload.

If you are a confident, contract-savvy QS looking to apply your expertise in a high-impact sector with a supportive, forward-thinking consultancy—we’d love to hear from you.