Managing Quantity Surveyor

Kenna Recruitment Ltd; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Car allowance / company car scheme

Private healthcare and enhanced pension

Career progression opportunities

Supportive, collaborative company culture

Job summary

A leading construction and development firm in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Managing Quantity Surveyor to lead the commercial functions across major projects. In this role, you will manage multiple projects, ensuring financial efficiency and compliance. With a focus on cost management and mentorhsip, this position offers a competitive salary, benefits package including car allowance and private healthcare, within a supportive and collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in a senior QS / Managing QS role within main contracting.
• Strong understanding of JCT/NEC forms of contract.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, commercially astute, and confident in decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all commercial activities across assigned projects.
• Administer contracts and ensure compliance with contractual terms.
• Provide commercial guidance and mentoring to Quantity Surveyors.
• Prepare, evaluate, and negotiate subcontract packages and procurement strategies.
• Lead valuation processes, applications for payment, variations, and final accounts.
• Provide commercial guidance and mentoring to Quantity Surveyors and Assistant QS staff.
• Support bid and tender submissions with cost input and commercial insights.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, subcontractors, and consultants.
• Report commercial performance to senior leadership with accuracy and clarity.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline

Job description

My client a leading main contractor is one of the most successful and forward-thinking construction and development groups. With a diverse portfolio across commercial, residential, industrial, education and public-sector projects, we are committed to delivering excellence, innovation, and value for our clients.

As we continue to expand, we are seeking a highly experienced Managing Quantity Surveyor to lead commercial functions across major projects and mentor our growing commercial team within the Northern Home counties region.

Managing 3 - 4 projects and up to 6 QS of various levels.

Role Overview

As a Managing Quantity Surveyor, you will take full commercial responsibility for one or more key projects, ensuring financial efficiency, contractual compliance and effective cost management. You will work closely with project teams, clients, supply chain partners and senior management to achieve successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all commercial activities across assigned projects.
• Manage cost planning, forecasting, and budget control throughout project lifecycle.
• Administer contracts, ensure compliance with contractual terms, and mitigate commercial risk.
• Prepare, evaluate, and negotiate subcontract packages and procurement strategies.
• Lead valuation processes, applications for payment, variations, and final accounts.
• Provide commercial guidance and mentoring to Quantity Surveyors and Assistant QS staff.
• Support bid and tender submissions with cost input and commercial insights.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and consultants.
• Report commercial performance to senior leadership with accuracy and clarity.

About You

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Proven track record in a senior QS / Managing QS role within main contracting.
• Strong understanding of JCT/NEC forms of contract.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, commercially astute, and confident in decision-making.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Car allowance / company car scheme
• Private healthcare and enhanced pension
• Career progression within a well-structured commercial team
• Opportunity to work on high-value, sector-leading projects
• Supportive, collaborative company culture