Quantity Surveyor

Wates Smartspace; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance bonus

Car allowance

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Life assurance

25 days annual leave

Flexible and hybrid working

Professional membership fees paid

Training and leadership development

Employee assistance programme

Volunteering and community engagement

Job summary

Wates is seeking a Project Quantity Surveyor to lead commercial management across allocated UK projects from pre-construction to final account. You will work with Project Managers, Design Teams, Clients and supply chain partners to maintain financial control, safeguarding on-time delivery and budget adherence.

The role emphasizes managing risk, driving value, and reporting performance to senior commercial leadership, with opportunities to mentor Assistant Quantity Surveyors and collaborate

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or related discipline.
• Membership of RICS, CIOB or working towards chartership is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Commercial management of projects from pre-construction to final account.
• Manage budgets, forecasts and cost plans to ensure targets.
• Prepare interim valuations and applications for payment; certify payments.
• Manage subcontract procurement and contract administration.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities; support dispute avoidance and resolution.
• Mentor Assistant Quantity Surveyors and support project teams.

Skills

Negotiation

Numerical analysis

Contract understanding

Drawing interpretation

Stakeholder management

Education

Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management degree

RICS/CIOB membership or studying

Tools

Microsoft Office

Commercial management systems

Job description

As a Project Quantity Surveyor, you will be responsible for the commercial management of allocated projects from pre-construction through to final account. Working closely with Project Managers, Design Teams, Clients and Supply Chain Partners, you will ensure robust financial control while supporting the delivery of projects safely, on time and within budget.

You will play a key role in driving commercial performance, managing risk and maximising value for both Wates and our clients.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Management

• Take ownership of the commercial delivery of one or multiple projects.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts and cost plans.
• Monitor project expenditure and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Ensure financial targets and profit margins are achieved.
• Produce accurate monthly cost value reconciliations (CVRs).
• Report project performance to senior commercial leadership.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

• Manage subcontract procurement from enquiry through to contract award.
• Prepare tender documentation and analyse supplier returns.
• Negotiate commercial terms and secure best-value outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with subcontractors and supply chain partners.
• Administer subcontract agreements and contractual obligations.

Contract Administration

• Manage all contractual matters throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and submit interim valuations and applications for payment.
• Assess subcontractor applications and certify payments.
• Manage variations, compensation events and change control processes.
• Prepare and negotiate final accounts.

Risk & Governance

• Identify commercial risks and opportunities.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution activities.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures and contractual requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and project documentation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate closely with operational teams to achieve project objectives.
• Attend client meetings and commercial reviews.
• Provide commercial support to project delivery teams.
• Mentor Assistant Quantity Surveyors where appropriate.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

• Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor within the UK construction industry.
• Experience delivering projects for a main contractor.
• Strong understanding of JCT contracts.
• Demonstrable experience managing subcontract procurement and final accounts.
• Experience producing CVRs and commercial reports.
• Strong knowledge of construction costs and market rates.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.
• Membership of RICS, CIOB or working towards chartership is desirable.

Technical Skills

• Strong commercial and contractual awareness.
• Excellent numerical and analytical abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using commercial management systems.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and contract documents.

Personal Attributes

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Proactive problem solver.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced project environment.

Typical Project Sectors

You may work across a variety of sectors including:

• Commercial Office Developments
• Residential & Mixed-Use Schemes
• Education Facilities
• Healthcare Projects
• Defence Infrastructure
• Public Sector Frameworks
• Industrial and Logistics Developments
• Regeneration Projects

Project values typically range from £10m to £150m+.

Why Join Wates?

At Wates, people are at the heart of everything we do. We foster a culture where individuals can thrive, develop and make a meaningful impact.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Annual performance bonus
• Car allowance
• Private healthcare
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
• Professional membership fees paid
• Structured career development programmes
• Chartership support
• Training and leadership development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• Volunteering and community engagement opportunities

Our commitments:

Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at [e-mail]