Lead Quantity Surveyor

Build Recruitment Limited; Motherwell; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the United Kingdom is seeking a Lead Quantity Surveyor for a role in social housing. The successful candidate will take commercial responsibility for reactive property maintenance contracts. Responsibilities include managing budgets, leading a team of Quantity Surveyors, and ensuring compliance with contract requirements. This fast-paced role requires strong commercial acumen and stakeholder management skills, with a focus on delivering value for money.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor within social housing.
• Strong background in reactive property maintenance/repairs.
• Experience managing SOR-based contracts is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of reactive maintenance contracts.
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and cost/value reconciliations.
• Line manage and mentor Quantity Surveyors and Assistant Quantity Surveyors.

Skills

Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor

Strong background in reactive property maintenance

Experience managing SOR-based contracts

Demonstrable experience leading a commercial team

Strong commercial acumen

Excellent stakeholder management skills

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline

Job description

Lead Quantity Surveyor

£50,000 - £70,000

Newhouse -North Lanarkshire

The Lead Quantity Surveyor will take commercial responsibility for reactive property maintenance contracts within the social housing sector. The role ensures effective cost control, contract compliance, value for money, and commercial performance across a high-volume, fast-paced reactive repairs environment. You will lead a team of Quantity Surveyors and work closely with operational, finance, and client stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Management

• Lead the commercial management of reactive maintenance contracts, ensuring profitability, compliance, and value for money

• Prepare, review, and manage budgets, forecasts, and cost/value reconciliations

• Oversee interim valuations, final accounts, and variations in line with contract requirements

• Ensure accurate measurement and valuation of reactive works, including schedule of rates (SOR) contracts

Contracts & Procurement

• Manage contracts under forms such as JCT, NEC, or bespoke social housing frameworks

• Oversee subcontractor procurement, negotiation, appointment, and performance

• Ensure subcontractor payments, valuations, and final accounts are accurately assessed and agreed

Team Leadership

• Line manage and mentor Quantity Surveyors and Assistant Quantity Surveyors

• Set objectives, review performance, and support professional development

• Ensure consistent commercial processes and best practice across the team

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the senior commercial point of contact for clients, housing associations, and local authorities

• Build strong working relationships with operational teams to support service delivery

• Support client reporting, KPIs, and commercial governance meetings

Risk & Compliance

• Identify, manage, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and regulatory standards

• Support dispute resolution and commercial negotiations where required

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor within social housing

• Strong background in reactive property maintenance / repairs

• Experience managing SOR-based contracts (e.g. NHF, Schedule of Rates)

• Demonstrable experience leading or mentoring a commercial team

• Strong commercial acumen and cost control skills

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Desirable

• MRICS or working towards professional qualification

• Experience working with housing associations or local authorities

• Knowledge of NEC or JCT forms of contract in maintenance environments

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and solutions-focused

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to see the wider commercial picture

• Collaborative leader with a hands-on approach