Managing Quantity Surveyor – Rail (SRE / E&P Distribution)

Octavius Infrastructure Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Octavius Infrastructure Limited is recruiting a Managing Quantity Surveyor to lead commercial delivery on the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) and E&P Distribution projects. The role oversees a portfolio valued around £35m per year, directing a team and delivering robust cost control, forecasting and reporting in NEC-based contracts.

You will manage a busy, high-volume framework, partnering with internal commercial teams, Network Rail and partners to optimise performance and value across

Qualifications

• Proven experience at Managing QS or Senior QS level across multiple rail projects.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Solid knowledge of NEC contracts and commercial processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management across high-volume rail projects.
• Oversee a team of 12 including graduates, apprentices, QS/SQS and consultants.
• Drive cost control, forecasting and commercial reporting.
• Ensure effective contract administration and risk/opportunity management.

Skills

Commercial leadership

People management

Contract administration

Cost control

Forecasting

Reporting

Stakeholder management

Risk management

NEC contracts

Job description

Managing Quantity Surveyor – Rail (SRE / E&P Distribution)

We are recruiting for a Managing Quantity Surveyor to join Octavius, supporting our work on the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE), a 10-year programme transforming how rail renewals are delivered across Network Rail's Southern region.

As one of a small number of Project 13 enterprise agreements, SRE represents a step change in how the industry collaborates and delivers making this a rare opportunity to be part of a truly integrated, long-term programme.

This is an opportunity to take a leading commercial role within our Electrification & Plant (E&P) package.

You'll be working on…You'll take ownership of a portfolio of works valued at c.£35m per year, overseeing the commercial performance of a high volume of fast-paced distribution projects within the E&P framework.

Operating in a high-tempo, delivery-focused environment, you will:

• Lead the commercial management across high volume, small scale projects
• Oversee a team of 12 (Graduates and Apprentices, QS, SQS and consultants)
• Drive cost control, forecasting and reporting
• Ensure effective contract administration and proactive risk and opportunity management

The SRE is delivered under Project 13 enterprise principles, bringing together partners in a more integrated, collaborative model focused on long-term outcomes and performance.

For more insight into the programme and the work we're delivering:

• A New Era for Rail Renewals Delivery

You'll work with…You'll be part of a collaborative enterprise team, working closely with:

• Internal commercial and E&P delivery teams
• Network Rail and key programme partners
• A diverse and active supply chain

This is a role that requires strong stakeholder management and clear leadership, particularly within a busy, high-volume framework.

You'll receive…We offer a competitive rewards package, including:

• Private Healthcare
• Pension and Life Assurance
• 25 days Annual Leave + your birthday off
• Hybrid working (typically London / site c.3 days per week)
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Ongoing professional development and progression opportunities

About you…You're a confident commercial leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-volume delivery environments, managing multiple projects without losing grip on performance, detail or team engagement.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience operating at Managing QS or Senior QS level across multiple projects
• Strong people leadership, with experience managing and developing teams
• The ability to prioritise across a high volume of live projects
• Solid knowledge of contract administration, cost control and commercial reporting, with experience working under NEC contracts
• Confidence in commercial decision-making and stakeholder engagement
• A proactive approach to managing risk, performance and outcomes
• A collaborative style with the ability to influence at all levels

If you're looking for a role where you can lead a team, influence performance and be part of a long‑term, high‑profile rail programme, we'd love to hear from you.

Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.