Graduate Quantity Surveyor (13609)

Tilbury Douglas; Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Performance Related Pay

Pension up to 8% matching

26 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Wellbeing support

Volunteer days

Job summary

Tilbury Douglas is seeking a Graduate Quantity Surveyor to support cost management across water sector projects in the South West. You will rotate across commercial and project teams, gaining hands-on experience from day one on live construction sites in Devon.

You will develop technical, commercial and professional skills with mentoring and structured training aimed at RICS accreditation, building a strong foundation for your early career in quantity surveying.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management (2:2 or above).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and on site.
• Real problem-solving and numerical analysis mindset.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to cost estimates, budgets and tender submissions that shape project delivery.
• Support procurement of subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring best value.
• Track and monitor project costs, valuations and payments.
• Help assess and manage risks, opportunities and variations.
• Produce clear reports and documentation to support client decisions.
• Build strong working relationships with clients, consultants and subcontractors.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaborative mindset

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management degree (2:2+)

Job description

Graduate Quantity Surveyor

At Tilbury Douglas, you won’t just be starting your career – you’ll be helping to deliver projects that make a real difference to people and communities.

As a Graduate Quantity Surveyor within our Infrastructure business, you’ll gain hands‑on experience from day one, working alongside experienced commercial and project teams. You’ll primarily work on projects across the water sector, developing your technical, commercial and professional skills on live construction projects and contributing to the delivery of important facilities that make a real difference to the communities they serve.

You’ll support cost management and commercial decision‑making, helping projects stay on programme and budget while building the experience you need for a successful career in quantity surveying.

This is a site‑based role, with your initial project expected to be based in the Devon area. As you develop, you’ll have opportunities to gain experience across a variety of projects, clients and locations within the wider South west water region, helping you build broad commercial experience and a strong foundation for your career in quantity surveying.

You’ll learn from experienced professionals, take on real responsibility and see first‑hand how projects come to life – building strong foundations for your future career with Tilbury Douglas.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Graduate Quantity Surveyor, you’ll rotate across key areas to develop your skills and gain the experience you need to progress towards professional accreditation.

No two days are the same and with the support of experienced colleagues, you’ll:

• Contribute to cost estimates, budgets and tender submissions that shape project delivery
• Support the procurement of subcontractors and suppliers, learning how to get the best value
• Track and monitor project costs, valuations and payments to keep everything running smoothly
• Help assess and manage risks, opportunities and variations, gaining real commercial awareness
• Produce clear reports and documentation to support client and project team decisions
• Build strong working relationships with clients, consultants and subcontractors
• Develop your skills in industry-standard systems and digital tools for commercial management

Why this role?

This isn’t just about numbers - it’s about impact. You’ll be supported to develop the technical, commercial and people skills to become a trusted professional. With mentoring, structured training and support towards RICS accreditation, you’ll be on a clear pathway to becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.

What We’re Looking For

We want to hear from people who are passionate about making a difference through construction and the built environment. You’ll bring:

• A degree (or expected in 2027) in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management (2:2 or above)
• A full UK driving licence (or working towards obtaining one by February 2027)
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a practical and logical approach
• Good written and verbal communication, with the ability to engage with a wide range of people
• A collaborative mindset, with the enthusiasm to learn and take on responsibility
• Previous placement or site experience (desirable but not essential)

What We Offer

Start your career with a programme designed to help you learn, develop and succeed from day one.

• A structured two-year Graduate Development Programme, giving you the experience and skills to build a successful career.
• Full RICS APC support, alongside mentoring and guidance from experienced industry professionals.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including car allowance, Performance Related Pay and up to 8% matched pension contributions.
• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the flexibility to buy or sell additional days.
• Private medical insurance, 24/7 wellbeing support and a wide range of flexible benefits and employee discounts.
• Two volunteering days each year, giving you time to make a difference in the community.

Selection Process Timeline

• Video Interview – Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a video interview. Invitations will be sent between 16 November and 1 December 2026, and candidates will have one week to complete and submit their interview.
• Interview – Successful candidates will progress to a formal interview, taking place between 11 and 27 January 2027.
• Offer – Successful candidates will receive an offer by the week ending 12 February 2027.

Who We Are

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company, delivering vital projects across a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and the environment.

People are at the heart of our success. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is valued, supported and empowered to make a difference. Our values guide everything we do:Everyone has a voice, Do the right thing, Take pride in what you do, and Bring better to life.

Why Tilbury Douglas?

Tilbury Douglas offers the opportunity to work on meaningful, real-world projects while developing within a supportive and inclusive environment. The company places a strong emphasis oncareer development, innovation, wellbeing and practical learning, demonstrated by its Platinum membership of the 5% Club and recognition of Early Careers employees through national industry awards.

Start your career where it matters – building a better future together