Quantity Surveyor

Thorn Baker Construction; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A major construction company is seeking a Quantity Surveyor (Freelance) for a £35m project in Poole. Responsibilities include managing cost control, preparing reports, and verifying subcontractor progress. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 5 years' experience in construction, with a strong understanding of procurement and contract administration, and be based locally to Poole. This role requires full-time on-site work, ensuring all commercial activities align with project expectations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience as a Quantity Surveyor in construction.
• Experience on large-scale commercial or residential projects (≥ £10m).
• Familiarity with D & B JCT contracts.

Responsibilities

• Manage cost control and documentation on site.
• Prepare cost reports and commercial updates.
• Verify subcontractor progress and manage subcontract packages.

Skills

Procurement knowledge

Cost control expertise

Contract administration

Problem-solving skills

Excellent communication

Education

Accreditation with RICS or equivalent

Job description

Job title: Quantity Surveyor (Freelance)

Location: Poole, Dorset

Expected Start Date: March 2026

About the Project

We are commencing a major £35m commercial‑to‑residential redevelopment project in Poole, scheduled to begin in March 2026 and run for approximately 3 years. This is a high‑profile conversion scheme with complex phasing, stakeholder coordination, and significant procurement and cost‑management responsibilities.

Role Overview

The Quantity Surveyor will manage day‑to‑day commercial activity, ensuring accurate cost control, robust documentation, and smooth communication with the Senior Project QS and the wider project team. You'll be the commercial presence on site each day, responsible for gathering data, validating valuations, monitoring progress, and supporting procurement and contract administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary on‑site commercial representative, feeding all reports, measurements, and updates into the Senior Project QS.
• Prepare cost reports, weekly variation logs and commercial updates.
• Undertake on‑site measurement, valuation of works, and verification of subcontractor progress.
• Manage subcontract packages and variation accounts.
• Monitor and reconcile materials on site.
• Support change management, ensuring variations are captured, evidenced, and submitted promptly.
• Monitor risk and opportunity, reporting regularly to the Senior QS and Project Director.
• Collaborate with site management to track progress, resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate commercial records.
• Contribute to final accounts, ensuring documentation is complete and compliant.
• Ensure all cost‑related activity aligns with project budget, programme, and client expectations.

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years' experience as a Quantity Surveyor in construction.
• Experience on large‑scale commercial or residential projects (≥ £10m; ideally £25m+).
• Strong knowledge of procurement, measurement, cost control, and contract administration.
• Familiarity with D & B JCT contracts.
• Accreditation with RICS or equal.
• Confident working independently and reporting remotely to a lead QS.
• High accuracy, strong organisational skills, proactive problem‑solving.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration.
• Must be based locally to Poole or within a practical commuting distance.
• Must be willing to work full‑time on site.