Managing Surveyor

Michael Taylor Search & Selection Ltd; Slough; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Taylor Search & Selection Ltd is seeking a Managing Surveyor to take overall commercial responsibility for a portfolio of designated M&E projects. The role provides leadership to project QS teams and works with the Commercial Director to deliver projects on time, to budget and in line with client requirements.

Ideal candidate has Level 6 QS qualification and 5+ years at senior QS level within M&E contracting, with extensive NEC/JCT experience and strong cashflow management skills.

Qualifications

• A Level 6 Quantity Surveying qualification or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years' experience operating at Senior Quantity Surveyor level within an M&E contracting environment.
• Experience administering NEC, JCT and other commonly used contracts.
• Strong experience across the full commercial lifecycle of M&E projects.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior commercial staff.
• Strong understanding of cashflow management and commercial risk.

Responsibilities

• Take overall commercial responsibility for designated M&E projects.
• Develop and implement contract administration plans.
• Provide leadership and oversight to project QS teams.
• Maintain relationships with clients and subcontractors.
• Identify and manage contractual risks, including disputes and claims.
• Prepare and manage loss and expense claims.
• Ensure contemporaneous records support commercial recovery.
• Advise on NEC, JCT, NR and other contract forms.
• Monitor project cashflow and cost reporting.
• Oversee variations and change management.
• Lead project oversight and drive commercial targets.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial awareness

Contract administration

Cashflow management

Mentoring

Negotiation

Contractual risk management

M&E systems knowledge

Education

Level 6 Quantity Surveying qualification

MRICS advantageous

Job description

An established M&E contractor with over 30+ years’ experience is looking to appoint a Managing Surveyor to take overall commercial responsibility for a portfolio of designated projects.

This is a senior commercial position in which you will provide leadership and oversight to the project QS teams while working closely with the Commercial Director and wider teams. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring projects are commercially controlled, contractually protected and delivered in line with programme, budget and client requirements.

This position would suit an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to Managing Surveyor from an M&E contracting/sub-contracting background who is comfortable managing a team, overseeing complex commercial functions and taking a strategic view on project performance.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Contract Management

• Take overall commercial responsibility for designated M&E projects.
• Develop and implement contract administration plans.
• Provide leadership and oversight to project QS teams.
• Maintain a strong relationship with clients and subcontractors.
• Identify and manage contractual risks, including potential disputes and claims.
• Prepare and manage loss and expense claims where required.
• Ensure appropriate contemporaneous records are maintained to support commercial recovery.
• Advise project teams on contractual obligations and commercial procedures.
• Provide guidance on NEC, JCT, NR and other commonly used forms of contract.

Procurement & Cost Management

• Work closely with procurement and project teams on cost benchmarking, pre-award negotiations and final account/letting processes.
• Drive best-value procurement and challenge costs where appropriate.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and alternative solutions.
• Ensure procurement aligns with project specifications, statutory requirements and contractual obligations.
• Ensure subcontract and supplier terms adequately protect the business.

Cashflow & Commercial Reporting

• Take ownership of maintaining positive project cashflow.
• Ensure applications, certifications and payment processes are managed effectively.
• Review and approve project cost and financial reports before submission.
• Monitor changing project costs, sales and forecasts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure forecasts are supported by accurate data and clear commercial rationale.
• Identify risks and opportunities and develop appropriate management plans.
• Prepare and regularly update project cashflows.
• Monitor labour productivity and site expenditure against budget.

Variations & Change Management

• Ensure variations and compensation events are identified, valued and agreed throughout the project.
• Ensure changes are submitted within contractual timeframes.
• Maximise recovery and maintain positive cashflow associated with project changes.
• Ensure programme impacts are appropriately identified and supported where required.

Project Oversight

• Build strong working relationships with key commercial clients.
• Regularly visit projects and maintain a strong understanding of project delivery.
• Champion the pre-construction validation process and ensure appropriate commercial targets are established.
• Ensure effective project controls are implemented and maintained.
• Monitor project progress, delays and commercial implications.
• Review commercial submissions, quotations and variations to ensure they meet required standards.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, improved processes and increased project performance.
• Promote best practice across the commercial function.
• Manage, mentor and develop commercial staff within your team.
• Provide clear leadership and direction to project QSs.
• Support the development of junior surveyors, trainees and apprentices.
• Encourage a culture of accountability, collaboration and teamwork.
• Lead by example and promote best commercial practice.
• Provide support and guidance while encouraging project teams to take ownership of their responsibilities.
• Step back from day-to-day activities to provide strategic commercial oversight.
• Make informed commercial decisions when required.
• Escalate significant commercial, financial or reputational risks to senior leadership.
• Contribute to performance reviews and individual development plans.
• Help drive continuous improvement across the commercial function.

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• A Level 6 Quantity Surveying qualification or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years' experience operating at Senior Quantity Surveyor level within an M&E contracting or subcontracting environment.
• Strong experience across the full commercial lifecycle of M&E projects.
• Demonstrable experience managing, mentoring and developing junior commercial staff.
• Strong understanding of M&E systems and installations.
• Experience administering NEC, JCT and other commonly used construction contracts.
• Strong commercial reporting, forecasting and cost-control experience.
• Experience working on public sector projects.
• Strong understanding of cashflow management and commercial risk.
• Experience identifying cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities.
• Good understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental requirements.
• MRICS qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Strong IT and commercial systems knowledge.

Personal Attributes

Looking for someone who:

• Leads by example and sets high standards.
• Is commercially astute, proactive and solutions focused.
• Has a strong sense of personal and professional accountability.
• Builds positive relationships with clients, subcontractors and internal teams.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a wider team.
• Committed to developing people and sharing best practice.
• Comfortable challenging existing processes and identifying better ways of working.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality, integrity and professionalism.

What's on Offer

• Senior commercial position within an established M&E contracting business.
• Opportunity to take ownership of major M&E projects.
• Leadership responsibility across commercial teams.
• Exposure to complex projects and a range of sectors.
• Strong opportunity to influence commercial strategy, processes and project performance.
• Genuine scope for professional and career development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexibility regarding working hours and project locations where required.