Quantity Surveyor

Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK contractor is seeking an experienced Freelance Quantity Surveyor for a site-based role in South West London. The successful candidate will manage the commercial aspects of various refurbishment projects, ensuring financial control and excellence. Essential experience includes a minimum of 5 years in main contracting and strong proficiency in JCT contracts. The role offers a competitive day rate and immediate start.

Benefits

Competitive day rate

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Quantity Surveyor.
• Understanding of JCT contracts is essential.
• Experience in commercial office or retail fit-out projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost plans and forecasts.
• Manage procurement and subcontractor packages.
• Oversee valuations and final accounts.

Skills

Main contracting background

Cost reporting

Procurement

Stakeholder management

Change control

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline

Job description

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced Freelance Quantity Surveyor with a main contracting background to join a respected London-based contractor working across commercial, retail, and mixed-use refurbishment projects.

You'll be involved in the full commercial management of several fit-out and conversion schemes, from initial cost planning through to final account. Projects range from Cat A and Cat B office refurbishments to retail fit-outs for new tenants, as well as commercial-to-residential conversions.

The role offers a dynamic, hands-on environment where you'll work closely with the commercial and project management teams to ensure financial control, efficiency, and delivery excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing detailed cost plans, budgets, and cashflow forecasts
• Managing procurement, subcontractor packages, and tender documentation
• Overseeing valuations, variations, and final accounts
• Contract administration under JCT form of contract
• Providing accurate financial reporting and supporting the project team with cost advice
• Liaising with project managers, design teams, and clients to maintain commercial awareness across all stages

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful, you'll need a strong track record within main contracting, ideally on commercial fit-out or refurbishment projects. You should be confident working independently, commercially astute, and comfortable managing multiple workstreams simultaneously.

Essential experience:

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Quantity Surveyor
• Background in main contracting (not consultancy)
• Exposure to commercial office, retail, or fit-out projects
• Strong understanding of JCT contracts
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proficient in cost reporting, procurement, and change control

Desirable:

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or related discipline
• Previous experience delivering Cat A / Cat B refurbishments
• Experience working in live commercial environments

Details & Benefits

• 3-6 month freelance contract
• Based in South West London (site-based role)
• Reporting to the Commercial Manager
• Immediate start available
• Competitive day rate (depending on experience)