Managing Quantity Surveyor

Novax Recruitment Ltd; Leicester Forest East; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Novax Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Managing Quantity Surveyor in Leicester to lead the commercial function across structural steelwork projects. You will oversee contract management, valuations, final accounts and risk, while mentoring the QS team.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on financial control, driving profitability, governance and consistent commercial processes. You will build strong client and subcontractor relationships and provide clear commercial insight to senior

Qualifications

• Significant Quantity Surveying experience within structural steelwork or similar construction environment.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop commercial personnel.
• Strong knowledge of NEC contracts (Options A/B) and JCT forms.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop the commercial team to high standards.
• Establish and enforce consistent commercial processes across projects.
• Oversee contract management, valuations, applications for payment and final accounts.
• Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting and commercial governance.

Skills

Leadership

Contract management

Commercial leadership

Financial control

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Job description

Managing Quantity Surveyor

Structural Steelwork & Construction

Location: Leicester
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Lead the Commercial Function. Develop People. Drive Performance.

Are you an experienced Quantity Surveyor with a strong background in structural steelwork and a proven ability to lead commercial teams? This is an opportunity to take a senior commercial leadership role, overseeing contract management, financial performance and risk across multiple projects and business units.

Combining strategic oversight with hands-on commercial management, you'll help maximise profitability, strengthen contract governance and ensure consistent commercial processes are applied throughout the business.

You'll also play a key role in developing a high-performing team, supporting operational colleagues and building strong relationships with clients, subcontractors and other stakeholders.

The Role

As Managing Quantity Surveyor, you'll lead the commercial function, providing direction and support to the Quantity Surveying team while maintaining oversight of project costs, contractual obligations, valuations and final accounts.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop the commercial team, encouraging high standards and continuous improvement.

• Establish consistent commercial processes and promote best practice across projects and business units.

• Support and advise operational teams on commercial strategy, contract performance and risk management.

• Contribute to senior management discussions, providing clear commercial insight to support business decisions.

Contract & Risk Management

• Review contract terms, identifying commercial risks and opportunities.

• Negotiate contract conditions to protect the business and mitigate exposure.

• Apply a strong understanding of NEC, JCT and bespoke construction contracts.

• Ensure contractual instructions, variations and changes are properly documented and authorised before work proceeds.

• Maintain accurate electronic and site records, including instructions and contractual correspondence.

Financial Control & Project Performance

• Oversee project costs, valuations, applications for payment and variation accounts.

• Prepare and review cost-value reconciliations, monitoring profit and loss against estimates.

• Work with Contracts Managers to prepare, monitor and agree client accounts.

• Review actual project performance against tender estimates and produce end-of-project commercial reports.

• Monitor financial data and ensure internal systems are kept accurate and up to date.

Applications, Valuations & Final Accounts

• Ensure applications for payment are prepared and submitted within required timescales.

• Liaise regularly with client Quantity Surveyors to agree applications and certified amounts.

• Proactively pursue agreement on prices, instructions, variations and outstanding payments.

• Lead negotiations to agree final accounts and secure timely payment, working closely with Contracts Managers.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal departments.

• Lead commercial discussions and negotiations with clients and their professional teams.

• Attend internal and external meetings as required.

• Support the wider project team in resolving commercial issues and maintaining successful working relationships.

Compliance & Commercial Reporting

• Maintain a sound understanding of relevant health and safety requirements, construction legislation and contractual obligations.

• Ensure commercial records, reports and supporting documentation are complete and accessible.

• Support effective programme and change management, including the assessment of time and cost impacts.

About You

You’ll be an established commercial professional with extensive Quantity Surveying experience in structural steelwork, alongside the leadership skills to manage and develop a team.

You’ll ideally have:

• Significant Quantity Surveying experience within structural steelwork or a closely related construction environment.

• Proven experience managing, mentoring and developing commercial personnel.

• In-depth knowledge of NEC contracts, including Options A and B, JCT forms and bespoke contract arrangements.

• Strong experience in contract reviews, valuations, cost control, variations and final account negotiations.

• A track record of managing commercial performance across multiple projects or business units.

• Excellent financial, numerical and analytical skills, with strong commercial awareness.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong general IT skills.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Project and construction programme analysis, including NEC programme requirements.

• A sound understanding of contract law, building regulations and health and safety legislation.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, organisation and stakeholder management skills.

• The ability to identify commercial risks, solve problems and make confident decisions.

What Will Make You Successful?

You’ll be a commercially astute leader who can balance strategic oversight with the detail required to maintain effective project-level control. You’ll be comfortable challenging risk, negotiating outcomes and supporting colleagues, while building a collaborative team culture.

Your ability to influence stakeholders, manage competing priorities and develop people will be just as important as your technical Quantity Surveying expertise.